Community Voices: "Every time the community is left waiting, it deepens a sense of mistrust"

Lakewood resident Kelly Moyer shared the following comments at Lakewood School Board's meeting on July 20, at the Taft Center for Innovation.

My name is Kelly Moyer, parent of four children, three of whom attend Lakewood schools and one future Ranger. And, frankly, I can't believe that I am back here again on the same topic - the potential closing of one or more of our neighborhood elementary schools. Specifically I am here tonight deeply concerned about the ongoing delays.

Starting in the fall of 2024, almost 9 months ago, we were told that a decision would be made in May. Then in May we were told that the decision was pushed to September, after the new school year begins. The reason given was that the state budget needed to be finalized and the task force wanted to meet again to see how the budget may affect the district finances (as a reminder this process started with the superintendent telling us that this decision was NOT financially motivated).

Well, that budget is now complete. The task force has not been contacted to set up a meeting. And here we are, with no timeline, no update, and no clear communication from the district. We haven't even heard the report that was the outcome of the Task Force's tireless months of work - the superintendent told us on June 12 that the report would be delayed and we have heard nothing since. Actually there has been no mention of the task force or the pending decision at any school board meeting since the school year ended.

These delays are not just inconvenient — they are damaging. Every time the community is left waiting, it deepens a sense of mistrust. Parents are expected to make long-term decisions about their children’s education and well-being, some of the most important work we have as parents, yet we’re being left in the dark.

By delaying this decision again and again, you are asking families and students to step into another school year with anxiety, confusion, and instability. Bu not speaking up, you are forcing people to instead rely on speculation and rumors. That’s not fair to our children, to our educators and administrators or to this community.

We understand that these are difficult decisions. But transparency and timely communication are the BARE minimum we deserve from our elected officials. I just know there are some of you up there that want to put this issue to bed, that understand this process was flawed from the start, that want to focus on other pressing issues in the district like the upcoming Levy. If there is a new timeline, share it. If there are updates, tell us. And if there are no updates, then at least acknowledge that and give us a realistic sense of what comes next.

Because silence — after broken promise after broken promise of action — sends a loud message. And unfortunately, it’s not one of trust.

Thank you.