LaKisha Lawson

Chief Transformation Officer

LaKisha F. Lawson is an experienced educational leader with a track record of effective school transformation. She has dedicated more than 25 years to public education. 

Mrs. Lawson has had the privilege of serving a decade at two Transformation Zone schools. Before she was appointed to her current role, Mrs. Lawson served as the principal of Fairmount Park Elementary School, where she upheld high expectations and achieved academic success. While there, she piloted the Pinellas Early Literacy Initiative (PELI) in partnership with the University of Florida Lastinger Center. Under her leadership, Maximo Elementary School also achieved academic success after years under state oversight. 

Mrs. Lawson began her career with Pinellas County Schools in 1998 as a classroom teacher at Anona Elementary School. In 2006, she became the assistant principal at Ridgecrest Elementary School. She was later appointed as principal of Tarpon Springs Elementary School before her appointment to Maximo Elementary in 2014. 

A native of Pinellas County, Mrs. Lawson graduated from Largo High School. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Florida State University and her Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership from the University of South Florida.  

Mrs. Lawson has participated in several Florida Department of Education Leadership Academies. She also attended the Harvard Graduate School of Education National Institute for Urban School Leaders in 2016 and the Harvard Graduate School of Education Turnaround Leaders Program in 2017 and 2023. 

Mrs. Lawson is excited to continue leading this vital work as Chief Transformation Officer, remaining passionate and committed to achieving excellence for all scholars. 

 

Phone: (727) 588-6339