WKYC 3News: "Lakewood schools debate over elementary repurposing continues with no decision"

Watch the video here.

At a recent school board meeting, members of that now-paused task force spoke publicly, sharing months of work and releasing a draft report for the community to see

This news story aired on 3News on August 22, 2025. Watch the video here.

By Candice Hare, 3News

LAKEWOOD, Ohio — The debate over whether Lakewood should close or repurpose an elementary school has stretched on for nearly a year, with no clear end in sight. When 3News first spoke with parent Kelly Moyer back in May, the district was still weighing the possibility of repurposing up to two schools. 

Since then, Superintendent Maggie Niedzwiecki says that options have narrowed with the district now only considering repurposing one of their seven elementary schools as an Early Learning Center. 

But that hasn’t quieted the controversy.

Throughout the process, a coalition called Preserve Lakewood Schools has been vocal in opposing any closures. Meanwhile, a separate group, Friends of Lakewood Schools, sent a legal demand letter alleging that members of the school board violated Ohio’s Open Meetings Act by attending task force meetings without proper public notice.

That claim led the task force to pause last year. Niedzwiecki disputes that the district broke the law.

“We don’t believe we broke the Open Meetings Act," she said. "Our five board members did attend the 7 meetings. They did not attend the last 2, which were when the task force was developing those key recommendations and findings."

At a recent school board meeting, members of that now-paused task force spoke publicly, sharing months of work and releasing a draft report for the community to see.

The district says it attempted to reach a compromise with the group that filed the demand letter, but could not. That fight has already cost Lakewood Schools about $75,000 in legal fees.

Parents like Moyer say the lack of clarity heading into a new school year is taking its toll.

"I mean, my concern, especially going back to school this week, is that families are coming into it with no direction," she said. "There is that uncertainty from parents as well as from the PTAs of the schools. Are we raising money this year for next year? Will we be here next year, or should we be focusing on transition plans for our students and our families?"

Niedzwiecki maintains the district has been transparent, pointing to meeting recaps, presentations, and data posted publicly online. She says new data, along with more opportunities for community input, will shape her recommendation to the school board.

But exactly when that recommendation will come is still unclear. And in a district without busing, where families rely on walkability, the decision about which schools stay open and where carries extra weight.

Background

Back in May, the district was considering major changes across three elementary schools: Lincoln, Roosevelt and Grant. District officials say enrollment in Lakewood elementary schools has fallen, with buildings operating at an average of just 68 percent capacity. The Elementary Planning Task Force presented seven possible scenarios, six of which included repurposing at least one building.

District leaders argued that downsizing could save up to $500,000 annually and reduce the size of a future levy request. Board President Nora Katzenberger previously told 3News the district wanted to address building underuse “in a thoughtful way” before it became a crisis.

For families like the Moyers, however, the stakes go beyond dollars and cents.

Moyer, whose children attend Lincoln Elementary, told 3News she worries about the impact on kids’ well-being and the logistics of a city where there is no yellow bus system. “I don't think you can put dollars on the effect that these neighborhood community schools have on our kids,” she said in May. “And can you imagine a five- or six-year-old walking a mile and a half to school? That is just not realistic for many families here.”

Watch the video here.

Sign up for Preserve Lakewood Schools' email list to stay in tune with the latest updates on this important community issue.