Lakewood School Board Approves Elementary School Repurpose
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LAKEWOOD, Ohio (WJW) – The Lakewood City Schools Board of Education voted to repurpose Lincoln Elementary School during a meeting late Monday night.
It will now serve as the Lakewood City Schools Early Learning Center, which will provide before and after school care, as well as summer daycare.
On top of this, the board will also redraw attendance boundaries for the remaining six elementary schools.
The possibility of closing or repurposing schools has been a topic of discussion for months in the district. Many parents and community members have been very vocal about their dissent.
“Students aren’t just numbers you can swap around the city without consequence. Students are part of families, part of a community, and as you said, we will all be affected by the decision. The community at Lincoln Elementary is worth something,” one resident said.
“You have not proven to us that this is all worth it and please be sure that we will continue to advocate for our kids and our community today, tomorrow, in November when we vote and as long as we are all here in Lakewood,” she added.
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“I encourage everyone to work together to find a way to move forward. At a time where there is so much division in our world, I hope we can find common ground and demonstrate to our children and each other that Lakewood is still a community that can come together and create a community and build a future that offers opportunities for everyone to thrive,” Board President Nora Katzenberger said.
The new boundaries will not go into effect until the 2027-2028 school year.
Learn more about the restructuring plan right here.
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Community Reaction and Concerns
The decision to repurpose Lincoln Elementary has sparked a wave of mixed reactions from the local community. Parents, students, and educators have expressed both support and concern over the changes. While some see the shift as a necessary step to better allocate resources and meet the needs of younger students, others worry about the impact on the school’s long-standing traditions and the sense of community that has developed over the years.
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One parent shared, “We understand that the district needs to adapt, but we fear that the closure or repurposing of Lincoln Elementary could lead to a loss of identity for our neighborhood. This school has been a cornerstone for many families.”
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Another community member emphasized the importance of transparency in the process. “We need to know exactly how the new boundaries will affect our children. Will they have to travel farther? Will the quality of education remain the same?”
What the New Plan Entails
The newly proposed Early Learning Center will focus on providing comprehensive childcare services for young children. This includes structured programs for before and after school hours, as well as summer daycare options. The initiative aims to support working families and ensure that children have access to safe, educational environments outside of regular school hours.
- The program will include age-appropriate activities, academic support, and social development opportunities.
- It will also offer flexibility for parents who may need extended care during the school year.
- The center is expected to serve as a hub for early childhood education, potentially linking with other local programs and organizations.
Future Implications
The redrawing of attendance boundaries is a significant change that will affect how students are assigned to schools. While the new boundaries won’t take effect until the 2027-2028 school year, the planning process has already begun. This gives the community time to adjust and voice concerns before the official implementation.
- The board has committed to engaging with residents throughout the process, holding public forums and gathering feedback.
- There are ongoing discussions about how to ensure fairness and equity in the new boundary system.
- Some community leaders are advocating for a phased approach to allow for smoother transitions.
Looking Ahead
As the district moves forward with these changes, the focus remains on finding a balance between modernization and preserving the values that make Lakewood a strong, unified community. The board has acknowledged the importance of maintaining open communication with all stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and students.
- “Our goal is to create a system that supports every child’s potential while respecting the history and culture of our schools,” said a board representative.
- “We want to ensure that no family feels left behind or overlooked in this transition.”
With the upcoming vote in November, the community will have a chance to shape the future of Lakewood City Schools. Whether through advocacy, participation, or simply staying informed, residents have a vital role to play in determining what comes next.
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