News 5: "Mayor’s letter sparks mixed reactions as Lakewood elementary school consolidation decision looms"

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News 5

By: Nadeen Abusada

Posted 6:16 PM, Apr 23, 2025

LAKEWOOD, Ohio — Since 2003, Lakewood schools have seen a decline in enrollment by 2,400 students, which led the district to reevaluate how it’s using its seven elementary schools.

We first told you about the 50-member task force late last year, when they presented seven different scenarios to the community, some of which included closing and repurposing one or two schools, with three elementary schools up for consideration.

But now, just two weeks away from the task force presenting its report to the superintendent, the mayor has weighed in — and it’s getting mixed reactions.

For months, Nicky Wills has been part of the Elementary Planning Facility Task Force, working to find solutions for Lakewood’s declining enrollment.

“We looked at different scenarios, walkability, teacher movement, class sizes, all of those things, and looked at how these different scenarios might affect that,” said Wills.

One key question being considered: Should Lakewood close any of its seven elementary schools?

“It's always hard to talk about closing schools. It's not anything anybody wants in a district, especially like ours,” said Wills.

But what frustrates her is a two-page letter Mayor Meghan George wrote, urging the district to find another way. She wrote:

"Closing neighborhood schools should be taken off the table unless and until there are no other options,” The letter read.

“I was mad, but disappointed. I felt that it was done in a way that pits the district against the city,” said Wills.

While the mayor has no official say in the district’s decision, Wills believes the statement could influence public perception.

“I don't believe that she is impacting what the school board will decide. I think they will make their best decision with the information that they have. I do think she's affecting the community's response to the decision,” said Wills.

Council member at large Tom Bullock agrees.

“The mayor was wrong to take the approach that she did,” said Bullock.

As a parent himself, he believes that in some cases, city officials should refrain from publicly sharing personal views.

“I have strong opinions, and I’ve shared them privately with a school board member colleague. But I’m not putting on my 10 stars as a city council official and trying to use the role of city to tell the school board what decision to make,” said Bullock.

But not everyone opposes the mayor’s letter.

“The mayor is the leader of our community and our city, and I’m proud that she has taken a leadership role in this,” Jennifer Schlosser, with Preserve Lakewood Schools.

Schlosser, a mother of two in the district, supports the letter and also wants to see the schools remain open.

“Obviously, she recognizes that if even just one neighborhood school closes, it'll have a huge impact, not only on the neighborhood surrounding and the hundreds of families that will be sent to different schools and starting over at a new school, but also to the neighborhoods and the city as a whole,” said Jennifer.

In a statement, Lakewood Superintendent Margaret Niedzwiecki said the mayor is entitled to her opinion but expressed concern about the timing. She wrote:

“I believe the mayor is entitled to her opinion on any matter in the community. However, it's regrettable that a public statement was made before the task force had the opportunity to present its recommendation. This group of dedicated Lakewood residents have put hours of thoughtful time into their work and care deeply about their neighborhood schools. Over the past year, they have invested significant time and effort into thoroughly researching and analyzing a wide range of data to determine what is best for all students and families across the district,” the statement read.

-- Lakewood Superintendent Margaret Niedzwiecki

Wills also reminds the public that no decision has been made yet.

“I think that's been a common misconception since the beginning, that a decision has been made. We're just going through the process... for show,” Wills continued, “Everybody cares deeply and wants to do the best for the district.”

News 5 reached out to Mayor George about the mixed reactions. In a statement, she stood by her letter, writing:

“I want to thank the members of the task force for their commitment and hours of work for the Lakewood community, our schools, and our families and students. The possibility of closing one or more schools is a scenario that would affect the entire City and all its residents for many years, and that is why I felt the need to share my views as the Mayor of Lakewood," the statement read. "I have received feedback in response to the statement from parents of students, teachers, administrators, and task force members, and most of them have been supportive of my stance."

The task force has one more meeting before presenting its final report to the superintendent. The superintendent will then make a recommendation to the school board, which will have the final say. The timeline for that decision remains unclear.

You can find the mayor's full letter here.

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