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Board members describe process for elementary facilities task force as residents urge keeping neighborhood schools
Summary
Board members outlined the task force process for evaluating elementary facilities and said any implementation would be at earliest for the 2026–27 school year. Multiple residents urged the board to keep neighborhood elementary schools open, citing walkability, community ties and potential levy impacts.
Board members reviewed the district’s multi‑stage process for the elementary facilities task force and emphasized that any major changes to school configuration would be months away, while residents urged the board to preserve neighborhood schools.
Board member (and task‑force liaison) described the four‑stage process the superintendent laid out when the task force began: (1) data gathering and draft scenarios, (2) community meetings, faculty conversations and a survey, (3) resumed task‑force meetings to refine scenarios and eliminate options, and (4) spring recommendations to the superintendent. Board members said the process is intended to conclude with a superintendent recommendation that the board would consider; any changes would be implemented no earlier than the 2026–27 school year.
At the meeting several residents said closing neighborhood elementary schools would harm walkability and could prompt families to move away. Longtime community member Linda Beebe said the community expects the board to be fiscally responsible and noted a possible state budget cut she described as “may cut $1,800,000 from this school’s budget in the next upcoming 2 years.” Beebe also said she did not want to see district buildings leased or sold to charter operators.
Other public commenters described personal experiences that tied walkable schools to neighborhood life and housing decisions. Chelsea Dottavio, who said she returned to Lakewood with a young family, urged the board to “take into account the consistency and the routine that needs to be established so that our learners with unique abilities are taken into account.” A local realtor who spoke on Preserve Lakewood Schools submitted comments arguing walkability is a prominent reason new families choose Lakewood.
Board members said the task force includes teachers, parents, community members and administrators, and that consultants are facilitating the meetings. One board member described the group as having expertise in finance, legal matters and communications and emphasized that board members are attending to listen rather than to direct the conversation.
Why it matters: elementary‑school configuration affects neighborhood character, levy strategy and special‑education and transportation planning. Residents told the board that closing neighborhood schools could reduce the community’s appeal to young families and complicate child care and transportation for working parents.
The board and staff said they will continue the task‑force schedule and incorporate public input into the recommendation process.
