Leadership and Board

Meet our Leadership

Dr. Jonathan Sutton, Principal

We are delighted to introduce our new Principal, Dr. Jonathan Sutton to the Lawson Academy family. Dr. Sutton is an accomplished educator and leader with demonstrated ability to teach, motivate, and direct staff and students. He brings a wealth of academic and special education expertise and more than a dozen years of experience as a principal for elementary and middle school students. Dr. Sutton, welcome to The Lawson Academy.

Cheryl Lawson, Superintendent

Cheryl Lawson is the daughter of Founders Rev. Bill and Audrey Lawson. After writing the Academy charter and expanding the Academy to serve both girls and boys, she became the district Superintendent in 2011. Ms. Lawson is a graduate of the Rice University Executive MBA program. Her commitment to her parents’ legacy drives her – and the entire Academy team. Ms. Lawson earns $94,608 annually.

Meet our Board

The WALIPP Board of Directors oversees all operations of The Lawson Academy. Members of the WALIPP Board participate in the TEA-recommended Lone Star Governance model which emphasizes student performance. Board Chair Mary Ramos has been a leader in the community for years.

The Advisory Board provides The Lawson Academy with resources and support. Members of both boards serve as volunteers to fulfill the mission of the William A. Lawson Institute for Peace and Prosperity (WALIPP) and The Lawson Academy.

Board Meteings

Board Of Directors

Mary Ramos, Board Chair
Chavon Carr
Terence Frederick
Eric Goodie
Bryce Kennard
Vernon Lewis
Yolanda Smith
Champ Warren

Advisory Board

Paula S. Sutton, Board Chair
Chevazz G. Brown
Chris Brown
James Crownover
Jerome Gray
Judge Kenneth Hoyt
Jonathan R. Jackson
Frank Karkowsky
Melanie Lawson
Renee Logans
Willie Miles
David Regenbaum
Regina Rogers
Alan Rosen
Amb. Arthur Schechter
Sheila M. Turner

Financial Statements

2024 2023

Annual Budget

Academy Budget SY26 Academy Budget SY25