Supt. Letter Addresses Repurposing Vote
![Niedzwiecki]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1761088962/lakewoodcityschoolsorg/fzxzxl22qsaju5v2gbf1/Maggie1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1761088962/lakewoodcityschoolsorg/fzxzxl22qsaju5v2gbf1/Maggie1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1761088962/lakewoodcityschoolsorg/fzxzxl22qsaju5v2gbf1/Maggie1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1761088962/lakewoodcityschoolsorg/fzxzxl22qsaju5v2gbf1/Maggie1.jpg","width":1080}])
Supt. Letter Addresses Repurposing Vote
The following message from Superintendent Niedzwiecki was shared witht District families following the Oct. 20 Board meeting:
This evening, the Lakewood Board of Education voted to formally approve my recommendation to repurpose Lincoln Elementary School into what will become a newly created Early Learning Center for 3-, 4-, and 5-year olds, effective for the 2027-2028 school year, and to reassign several of our specialized learning programs to other buildings to better suit student needs.
This decision marks the culmination of 14 months of extensive study, collaboration, and engagement from many dedicated individuals across our schools and community, all of whom have devoted a great deal of energy, time, care, and wisdom to help guide the District. With heartfelt gratitude, we thank the families, staff members, students, and citizens who participated in any way.
Time and again, the fact that our district has lost 494 elementary students over the last decade, accompanied with a deep desire for equitable education for all, remained the driving force in finalizing the District’s path forward. The Board of Education’s decision tonight brings closure to a comprehensive period of many public meetings, presentations, information-sharing, data analysis, and community-feedback sessions. I know that this decision brings sadness and disappointment for some families. Our hope is that as a school family, we can take a collective breath, refocus on the important task of educating our students today, honor the proud traditions of the Lakewood City Schools, and prepare for a strong and vibrant future.
Next Steps
Beginning in the spring of 2026, the Lakewood City Schools leadership team will establish transition teams, one consisting of students and families, and one composed of staff members, that will thoughtfully guide all aspects of the newly adopted plan. Topics will include student transition, staffing, safety and security, curriculum, and more. Our goal is to release districtwide redrawn elementary boundaries at least one year in advance of the repurpose—likely at the start of the 2026-2027 school year—so that students, families, and staff have ample time to prepare for the following year’s transition. Once again, beginning with the 2027-2028 school year, Lincoln will become the Lincoln Early Learning Center for 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds, with a before-, after-, and summer-school care program; our CHAMPS program will move to Hayes Elementary along with our gifted program; and our RISE program will move to Horace Mann. More detailed information can be found on our website at the following link: www.lakewoodcityschools.
Thank you, once again, for your engagement and attention during this significant process. The values of our community have been clearly articulated throughout every step of the way. Our leadership team is dedicated to affirming those values, while fulfilling our mission of being partners with our families and community. Together, we now look forward as we launch into a new and hopeful phase of planning for the future.
Sincerely,
Maggie Niedzwiecki
Superintendent of Schools