Preserve Lakewood Schools Forms Political Action Committee to Advocate for Transparency and Responsible Stewardship of Lakewood City Schools

This article appears in the August 6, 2025, edition of The Lakewood Observer.

By Caity Walsh Solomon

Preserve Lakewood Schools, a grassroots coalition formed by concerned taxpayers (parents, educators, local business owners, and community members) is proud to announce the formation of the Preserve Lakewood Schools Political Action Committee (PAC). The PAC designation marks a new chapter in our ongoing mission to advocate for the future of Lakewood’s neighborhood schools, with emphasis on strategic planning, good governance, transparency, community collaboration, and accountability.

Since January 2025, we've united around a shared vision: a thriving, walkable, neighborhood-based education for every Lakewood child. In just six months, our all-volunteer group has rallied community support, engaged thousands of residents, and raised awareness about the need for transparency and leadership from the Lakewood Board of Education in their consideration to close and repurpose one or two of our elementary schools. To date, we've distributed over 500 yard signs, knocked on thousands of doors, printed literature, hosted events, and packed Board of Education meetings, all as dedicated volunteers and concerned citizens working around our own families and day jobs.

A common theme among the thousands of stakeholders who have supported the Preserve Lakewood Schools initiative is that we all recognize the uniqueness and value of the Lakewood community, and the crown-jewel role our neighborhood schools play in underwriting our community’s future. Lakewood is Ohio’s most densely populated city with a nationally rare, walkable school system that’s been modernized through decades of community investment. We believe this system of walkable neighborhood schools can be a national model for public education and better marketed to attract new students.

As a PAC, we’ll now endorse local candidates, fundraise, and support campaigns that align with our values. Our focus will remain entirely local: to protect and strengthen our school system. In the immediate coming months, we will be focusing on candidate endorsement for the two incumbent seats up for election on the Board of Education. Stay tuned to our website and more forthcoming articles from fellow PAC members that will provide more detail.

Preserve Lakewood Schools PAC plans to endorse and support Lakewood Board of Education candidates in the upcoming November 4 election. All Board of Education candidates are encouraged to apply, and may learn more and apply by emailing us at info@preservelakewoodschools.org.

Want to support our cause?

• Visit www.preservelakewoodschools.org to learn more background information.

• Volunteer your time or expertise by emailing info@preservelakewoodschools.org.

• Donate $7 today to strengthen our actions in preserving our seven elementary schools: www.preservelakewoodschools.org/donate.

Together, we can preserve what makes Lakewood exceptional- for our kids, our neighborhoods, and our future.

Paid for by Preserve Lakewood Schools PAC. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee.