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Killeen ISD Announces New Leadership in Special Education, Fine Arts

KILLEEN ISD ANNOUNCES NEW LEADERSHIP IN SPECIAL EDUCATION, FINE ARTS
Killeen ISD has named two new leaders to oversee the district’s special education and fine arts departments.
Paula Lawrason, a longtime educator in Killeen ISD, has been named the district’s new executive director for Specialized Learning.
The department oversees providing eligible students with disabilities services to meet their unique needs. Lawrason has been serving as the executive director position in an interim capacity since October. She replaces Dr. Cynthia Swain, who resigned earlier this fall.
“As a familiar and trusted face in our district, Dr. Lawrason brings a deep commitment to our students, extensive experience in special education, and a proven ability to collaborate with and support parents,” Terri Osborne, deputy superintendent of curriculum, instruction and school leadership, said. “Her expertise and heart for service make her the perfect choice for this role.”
Lawrason’s career in KISD spans 27 years and most recently includes a tenure as principal at Union Grove Middle School. Her vast experience also includes serving as a classroom teacher, special education coordinator, assistant principal, curriculum director and special education director.
“I am honored and excited to be chosen for this role,” Lawrason said. “Having served this district and community for so long, I am deeply committed to our students, families, and educators. I look forward to continuing to work collaboratively to ensure every student has the support and opportunities they need to thrive.”
Lawrason holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, a master's in educational administration from Tarleton State University and a doctorate in educational administration from Capella University.
Morganne Davies has been named the director of fine arts, replacing Dr. Karen Marshall, who is set to retire at the end of the semester after leading the department since 2014.
Davies, who has served as the assistant director for fine arts in charge of visual arts and theatre since the 2022-2023 school year, will begin in her new position in January.
“I am honored to continue serving the students and communities of Killeen, Harker Heights, Nolanville and Fort Cavazos in this new capacity,” Davies said. “I believe in the transformative power of the arts to uplift communities and enrich individual lives. I look forward to collaborating with students, educators, district leadership and our communities to enhance fine arts programs districtwide and help our students and teachers achieve new milestones.”
Since joining KISD, Davies successfully expanded program opportunities and fostered student engagement and achievement in the arts. Davies was instrumental in Killeen ISD’s recognition as a District of Distinction by the Texas Art Education Association for two consecutive years. And, under Davies’ watch, Union Grove Middle School and Chaparral High School were honored this year as Campuses of Distinction by the Texas Educational Theatre Association.
“Ms. Davies is a strong leader, fully invested in our students’ learning and successes,” assistant superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Jo-Lynette Crayton said. “Her passion for fine arts will shine through as she oversees the department’s continued development.”
Davies’ breadth of experience includes serving as a fine arts administrator in Del Valle ISD, a theatre director for Round Rock ISD and Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia, and a professional teaching artist. She also has 15 years of experience as a professional artist.
Davies holds a bachelor’s degree in theatre from Fordham University, a Master of Fine Arts in acting from the University of Tennessee, a graduate certificate in theatre education from George Mason University, and a graduate certificate in educational leadership from Education Service Center Region 13.