Elementary Planning Task Force

The Elementary Planning Task Force was created to explore the optimal use and maintenance of District facilities. This group provides strategic recommendations to the superintendent, focusing on efficiently using our school buildings, especially where excess capacity exists. The Task Force's responsibilities are to:

Task Force Priorities:

• Analyze scenarios for using Lakewood’s elementary schools.
• Evaluate the educational, financial and logistical impacts of potential changes.
• Develop opportunities to engage and involve the community in discussions.
• Explore ways to enhance early childhood education through expanded preschool programs.
• Identify opportunities to use available spaces for broader community purposes.
• Ensure that district facilities meet the evolving needs of students and the wider community

 The task force's goal is to align facility use with the District's mission in a financially responsible and sustainable manner. This task force is the second such group that is part of a comprehensive examination by the District of all of its facilities that began in spring 2023 with the Facilities Study Task Force. Information on that task force can be found below.

Meeting information and updates regarding the Elementary Planning Task Force will be regularly posted on this webpage. Community members are encouraged to check back frequently for the latest news, including agendas, meeting summaries and recommendations or decisions made by the Task Force.

 

Task Force Timeline

August-October 2024

Elementary Planning Task Force Phase 1:  Review possible reconfiguration scenarios, investigate various factors including current building use, enrollment trends, and financial considerations, and plan for community engagement.

October-December 2024:

Community Engagement:  Engage the community through surveys, presentations, and possibly focus groups about elementary reconfiguration.

February-April 2025:

Elementary Planning Task Force Phase 2: Review community engagement feedback and develop recommendations

May 2025:

Task Force Recommendation to the Superintendent, who will recommend to the Board of Education.

NOTE: Any changes to the use of elementary school buildings will not be implemented until the earliest 2026-2027 school year.

2023 Facilities Study Task Force