Board Approves Repurposing Plan
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Board Approves Repurposing Plan
At its meeting tonight, Oct. 20, the Lakewood Board of Education voted to approve Superintendent Maggie Niedzwiecki’s recommendation to repurpose Lincoln Elementary School into a newly created preschool Early Learning Center, effective for the 2027–2028 school year. The plan, presented to the Board on Oct. 6, also includes the reassignment of several specialized learning programs to new locations across the District to better support student needs.
The decision marks the culmination of 14 months of extensive study, collaboration, and community engagement, which included public meetings, data analysis, presentations, and numerous feedback sessions.
“This recommendation reflects the collective effort, care, and wisdom of our families, staff, students, and community members who have guided us throughout this process,” said Superintendent Niedzwiecki. “We understand that change is never easy and that this decision will bring some sadness and disappointment. Our focus must remain on on providing equitable, high-quality learning environments for every student in our district.”
The repurposing of Lincoln was chosen as the path that minimizes student impact—resulting in the least amount of increased walking distance and building changes for students. The plan also accounts for ongoing shifts in population and enrollment trends within the city.
As part of the transition, beginning in the spring of 2026, the District will establish two transition teams—one composed of families and students and another of staff members—to address key topics such as student transitions, staffing, walkability, and curriculum. The District plans to release new elementary school boundaries at least one year in advance of the transition to give families and staff ample time to prepare.
In addition to the Lincoln repurposing, the plan includes relocating several special education and gifted programs:
- The CHAMPS special education program will move from Horace Mann Elementary to Hayes Elementary.
- The gifted education program currently at Grant Elementary will also move to Hayes Elementary.
- The RISE program will relocate from Emerson Elementary to Horace Mann Elementary.
More information is available on the Superintendent Elementary Recommendation page.