Preserve Lakewood Schools
​Preserving Our Neighborhood Schools.
Lakewood’s seven neighborhood elementary schools are the heart of our community. They’re more than buildings- they are safe, walkable, and welcoming places where our children learn, families gather, and neighbors connect. Our excellent school system has been invested in by community members for decades, and are a key factor in underwriting our property values and desirability as a city.
The Deeper Problem Behind School Closures: This Is About ALL of Lakewood
Right now, our publicly funded school buildings are at risk. The Board of Education is considering closing and repurposing one or even two of our neighborhood elementary schools. Lincoln, Grant, and Roosevelt are being considered. Closing and repurposing just one elementary school would mean fewer opportunities for Lakewood's kids, longer walking commutes in this non-bussing district, potentially crowded classrooms, the loss of schools that generations of Lakewood families have counted on, and the potential decline in property values.
Publicly Funded Schools Deserve Public Input
In November 2013, a $49,950,000, 30-Year Bond issue was approved by 70% of Lakewood voters to rebuild three new elementary schools (Grant, Lincoln and Roosevelt), and replace the older half of Lakewood High School. Notably, those newest elementary schools are now the three elementary schools on the chopping block. There is still $42,122,692 outstanding with a final maturity of November 1, 2043. Regardless of whether the School District vacates or sells the buildings, Lakewood residents are still responsible for repaying the bond. Given the overwhelming majority of community support in favor of the bond in 2013, the School District should honor our collective funding of the new schools through at least 2043 when the bond is paid off. That would certainly show fiscal responsibility.
Accountability Matters: What We’ve Uncovered
In the process of advocating to keep all seven elementary schools open, we have collectively uncovered significant concerns regarding the Board of Education's handling of the process. This includes:
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Potential ongoing violations of Sunshine Laws, which include convening an invitation-only, hand-picked Elementary Planning Task Force to deliberate on the future of our schools behind closed doors
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Lack of governance with managing the superintendent and treasurer, who the Board of Education hired and who do not live in Lakewood, as required by School District policy
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Lack of an overarching strategic plan, as required by the State of Ohio
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Use of misleading, outdated, cherry-picked data to shape a narrative that closing a school is the only option
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This has become bigger than just keeping schools open.
This is about having public officials on the Board of Education who welcome voices in, and who lead with lawfulness, transparency, and vision.
Open Doors. Open Meetings. Brighter Future.