LISD Announces Lawson as Chief of Elementary Schools
Lewisville ISD (LISD) announced April 14 the appointment of Stephanie Lawson as the district’s new Chief of Elementary Schools. She will take over for Rhonda Godbey, who recently announced her retirement after 35 years of service to public education.
“I am ecstatic and deeply honored to be named Chief of Elementary Schools,” Lawson said. “I look forward to continuing to work alongside our incredible campus leaders to support their teachers, staff, and communities. Each day, my hope is to engage and inspire both learners and leaders across LISD.”
Having spent 24 years as an educator, primarily with LISD, Lawson most recently served as the founding principal of Memorial Elementary STEM Academy, a position she has held since 2021. Prior to her time at Memorial, Lawson served as LISD’s Elementary Virtual Administrator from 2020-21. She also worked as an assistant principal at Lewisville Elementary School from 2017-2020. Before moving into campus administration, Lawson was a Learning Facilitator in LISD from 2015-17, and a Strategic Design Coach with the district from 2014-15. She began her career in the classroom in 2001, teaching kindergarten in Conway, Arkansas, before joining the LISD family in 2005 teaching K-2.
Throughout her professional career, Lawson has been recognized for her successes having been named an LISD Elementary Principal of the Year Finalist in 2024 and 2025. Under her leadership, Memorial Elementary STEM Academy was named a Nationally Certified STEM Campus in 2022.
“Having served Lewisville ISD for 20 years, Ms. Lawson has proven to be a collaborative leader and shown an incredible talent for cultivating dynamic and innovative learning environments,” LISD Superintendent Lori Rapp said. “Her experience and drive to see students and staff succeed will help ensure that our elementary schools continue to engage and inspire our district’s youngest learners and leaders.”
In this role, Lawson will be responsible for providing support and leadership to half of LISD’s elementary campuses, as well as JJAEP. She will join the district’s other Chiefs of Schools - Will Skelton, Chantell Upshaw and Rachel Garrett.
Lawson earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education and a Masters of Education from the University of Central Arkansas. She also received a degree in Educational Leadership from Lamar University.
