Leadership and Board

Meet our Leadership

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. She has expanded the Academy to own its own campus, serving hundreds of students. Her commitment to her parents’ legacy drives her – and the entire Academy team. Ms. Lawson earns $94,608 annually.

Dwayne Shorter, Chief Operations Officer

Dwayne Shorter is an accomplished education executive with more than 15 years of leadership experience spanning K–12 education, higher education, nonprofit organizations, and organizational transformation. Known for connecting people, strategy, and execution, Dwayne brings a collaborative, solutions-focused leadership approach to Lawson Academy and is committed to helping strengthen the foundation Ms. Lawson has built while supporting the Academy’s continued growth, stability, and impact.

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 Meetings

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
Sheila M. Turner

Financial Statements

2025

Annual Budget

Budget SY27 Budget SY26