Supt. Presents Elementary Recommendation
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Supt. Presents Elementary Recommendation
Superintendent Niedzwiecki's letter to the community:
At the Oct. 6 Board of Education meeting, I presented my comprehensive recommendation regarding the future of our district’s elementary buildings. The recommendation is the result of more than a year of community input, data analysis, and thoughtful discussion about how we can best serve our students now and in the years ahead. The Board will review my recommendation and is scheduled to vote on it at its Oct. 20 meeting.
Among the recommendation presented is the future repurposing of Lincoln Elementary School into an early learning center with before school, after school, and summer child care. I want to assure our families that this change will not take place until 2027. This timeline allows us to plan carefully and collaboratively, ensuring a smooth and thoughtful transition that prioritizes the well-being of our students, families, and staff. As part of the transition, all elementary boundaries will be redrawn for the 2027-2028 school year.
Repurposing Lincoln is recommended because it minimizes the impact on students compared to other scenarios. It will allow for the least amount of increased student walking distances, major thoroughfare crossings, and student building changes. Additionally, future population growth via living units currently under construction are concentrated near the center of town, within the Grant Elementary boundary.
Specialized Programming
I also recommended several moves among our special education units in order to expand accessibility and ensure that every child can fully participate in their education, regardless of need. I recommend moving the CHAMPS unit, which is now housed in the basement of Horace Mann Elementary, to the first floor of Hayes Elementary. The RISE classroom at Emerson Elementary will move into the former CHAMPS space. Along with these moves, I recommend expansion and/or rebuilding Emerson and Horace Mann playgrounds and expanding Hayes’ playground. Finally, the self-contained gifted program located at Grant will be moved to Hayes.
I recognize that this news may be difficult for many in our community. Please know that this recommendation was not made lightly. It reflects a careful balance between fiscal responsibility, enrollment projections, and our shared goal of maintaining thriving learning environments for all students.
View Board Exhibit of Recommendation
Next Steps
Over the coming weeks and months, we will take several important steps to ensure transparency and engagement throughout this process:
- Board Vote: The Board of Education will vote on the recommendation at its Oct. 20 meeting.
- Transition Planning: Should the Board approve the recommendation, we will begin long-term planning for the transition, including staffing, student placement, and facility use.
- Ongoing Communication: Updates will be shared regularly through our website, newsletters, and emails to keep everyone informed as planning progresses.
Change is never easy, but our community has faced school transitions before and has emerged stronger. Together, I’m confident we’ll do the same in the years ahead.
Thank you for your partnership, and your continued commitment to our students and schools.
Respectfully,
Maggie Niedzwiecki
Superintendent
Lakewood City Schools