Back to School Update
- Preserve Lakewood Schools

- Aug 26
- 3 min read

The recent weeks have brought revelations that Lakewood City Schools’ leadership and Board of Education members likely acted illegally in the process that they used to create and manage the Elementary Planning Task Force, and that they continue to refuse to act with transparency surrounding this process. Read this Lakewood Observer article for more information.
WKYC 3News (August 22): “Lakewood schools debate over elementary repurposing continues with no decision”
Lakewood Observer (August 20): “Five years of stable enrollment at Lakewood elementary schools”
Lakewood Observer (August 11): “Task force member pushes back from the inside against superintendent’s and school board’s alleged illegal actions”
News 5 Cleveland (August 6): “Lakewood superintendent to recommend school changes without task force findings”
Cleveland.com (August 7): “Legal challenge forces Lakewood Schools to restart process for closing elementary buildings”
At Preserve Lakewood Schools, we are seeing a growing groundswell of public support for:
Keeping our seven walkable neighborhood elementary schools that our community voted to fund through a bond that is still being paid until 2043
Back in Nov. 2013, a $49,950,000, 30-Year Bond issue was approved by 70% voting in favor of rebuilding 3 new elementary schools (Grant, Lincoln and Roosevelt) and then replacing the older half of the High School. Notably, those are now the three elementary schools on the chopping block. There is still $42,122,692 outstanding with a final maturity of 11/1/2043. Regardless of if the District vacates or sells the buildings, the District is still responsible for repaying the bond. Given the overwhelming majority of community support in favor of the bond in 2013, the 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.
Advocating for Lakewood’s school board to take input from the broader community in their decision-making
Holding our school board members and school district leadership accountable to the community and Ohio’s Sunshine Laws, and
Advocating for Lakewood’s school board to create an overarching strategic plan that shapes the direction of our district with community buy-in and goals that feed off of that. We need transparency in our leaders in order to strengthen our district for the challenges that face us.
Preserve Lakewood Schools is launching a Month of Action, to advocate for change from our Board of Education leaders, and we can all make a difference. Read here to learn how you can get involved in our education and advocacy work!
In the coming weeks, we at Preserve Lakewood Schools will be advocating for change in Lakewood’s school board – the five-member group that governs Lakewood City Schools – as two of the school board’s five seats are up for election on November 4 (early voting begins October 7).
Upcoming Events – Mark Your Calendar!
See our Month of Action flyer!
Casual Family Playdate, Wednesday, August 27, 5-6:30 p.m. @ Lakewood Park Playground. Learn More and RSVP on Facebook
Come to learn the latest news, ask questions, share your concerns, and learn how you can get involved (from small tasks to full roles).
Sidewalk Chalk Flash Mob and Pack the Room! At School Board Meeting Tuesday, September 2 @ Garfield Middle School. 5:00-6:00 p.m. – Chalk Flash Mob; 7:00 p.m. – School Board Meeting. Learn More and RSVP on Facebook
Preserve Lakewood Schools at Lakewood Community Festival, Saturday, September 6, 11am-5pm @ Madison Park
Your Voice Matters! Share Your Opinion at 9/15 School Board Meeting @ Lincoln. Learn More and RSVP Here.
Preserve Lakewood Schools Meet the School Board Candidates Night, Thursday, October 2, 6:30-8:30pm @ Lakewood Woman’s Club Pavilion, Lakewood Park
In Case You Missed It: Preserve Lakewood Schools Forms PAC
Preserve Lakewood Schools recently formed a Political Action Committee (PAC) to advocate for transparency and responsible stewardship of Lakewood City Schools. Read more here. We invite you to donate to help spread the word and support candidates who align with our cause. Donate Today! Thank you for your support!
In Partnership,
Preserve Lakewood Schools
P.S. Who is Preserve Lakewood Schools?
Preserve Lakewood Schools is a non-partisan coalition of parents, residents, and leaders in Lakewood committed to preventing the closure and repurposing of neighborhood elementary schools by Lakewood City Schools, and supporting the long-term vitality of Lakewood’s public schools. We educate residents, provide resources for taking action, and advocate to our leaders. We’d love to get to know you. Learn more about Preserve Lakewood Schools and our leadership team here.


