Fox 8: "Lakewood families fighting to keep all the city’s elementary schools open"
- Preserve Lakewood Schools
- Sep 4, 2025
- 2 min read
September 2, 2025
by: Suzanne Stratford, Fox 8
LAKEWOOD, Ohio (WJW) – Parents and students carrying signs lined up along Detroit Avenue Tuesday ahead of the Lakewood Board of Education meeting.
They’re calling for change within the district’s leadership and fighting to keep all of the city’s elementary schools open.
The group called Preserve Lakewood Schools organized the rally in response to the district’s proposed plans and discussions to potentially close one or more of the city’s seven elementary schools.
“Having our seven neighborhood schools is one of our most precious assets in our community,” said parent Jennifer Schlosser with Preserve Lakewood Schools.
Superintendent Maggie Niedzwiecki previously said that based on enrollment trends over the past 10 years and studies currently being obtained, they would be making recommendations to the board for the best path forward.
The district has previously said that there is a downward trend in student enrollment and approximately 1,600 fewer students.
But Schlosser said the latest data refutes those numbers.
“If you look at the district’s most recent study from February 2025, you’ll see the Lakewood School District has stabilized especially at the elementary level,” Schlosser said.
Schlosser and the other parents protesting believe the city cannot afford to lose an elementary school for a number of reasons.
“Lakewood does not provide bussing to students, so having neighborhood schools is crucial,” she said. “It’s important for our property values and to keep the flavor of our community.”
The three schools that have been mentioned for possible closure are Grant Elementary, Lincoln Elementary and/or Roosevelt Elementary.
At the board meeting, the superintendent did not address the issue, but she did provide a timeline for further discussions. She said data will be shared Sept. 15.
A “table top” community conversation will be held Sept. 29 leading up to recommendations and a vote by the board on Oct. 20.
But about 75 people were at the meeting Tuesday and ready to voice their concerns.
One man who was on a task force to examine the issue this past year said they evaluated the schools and none of the scenarios will work.
“Are there enough classrooms? The answer is no,” he said.
Another woman said that she believes repurposing the buildings now is premature and shortsighted, especially when many “COVID babies” will soon be starting school.
“I urge the board to prioritize caution and foresight over speed,” she said.
The majority seemed to also question why the change is happening so quickly and hoping district leaders will slow down.
“And we need them to listen and act in partnership with the community as they make these important decisions on our behalf,” said Schlosser.
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