Supt. Shares Latest Elementary FAQs
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Supt. Shares Latest Elementary FAQs
In anticipation of the District's community engagement meeting on Sept. 29, Superintendent Niedzwiecki shared some additional frequently asked questions (FAQs) that the District or superintendent has received through various channels.Click on Read More to see the newest FAQs.
Why are the Superintendent and Treasurer exploring the possibility of repurposing a building?
As educational leaders, we are responsible for:
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Caring for and maintaining our facilities
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Regularly reviewing their use and role in supporting our mission
We approach this work in ways that are:
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Financially responsible
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Sustainable
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Focused on maximizing student opportunities and growth
How many classrooms do we use for instruction now compared to years past?
The chart shows the total number of K-5 homeroom classrooms in use each school year. It reflects our needs for all general education and gifted students, kindergarten through 5th grade.
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Special classroom areas (art, music, physical education, STEM, library, and specialized education classrooms) are not included.
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Preschool is not included.
As you can see, the number of K-5 classrooms in use has steadily declined by 17%, from 106 in 2018-19 to 88 in 2025-26.
How many preschoolers attend a Lakewood City preschool that is not at their "home" school?
Out of 145 general education preschool students, 71 attend a preschool other than their home school (74 attend at their home school). Out of 35 special education preschool students, 30 attend a preschool other than the one at their home school (5 attend at their home school).
In total, 101 of 180 preschoolers attend a preschool that is not at their home school.
Why are we not looking to modify enrollment at the middle school level?
State law requires districts to provide busing for students who live more than two miles from school. Because Lakewood is a walking district, combining Harding and Garfield middle schools would create busing requirements and additional costs. Additionally, neither building has the capacity to accommodate all students in grades 6-8.
Why aren't we examining the enrollment decline at the high school?
Enrollment trends are monitored districtwide. As part of the 2022-2023 Facility Task Force review, it was determined that Franklin School of Opportunity needed a new home due to the building's age and the need for costly repairs. Since Lakewood High School had available capacity, the task force recommended relocating FSO there as the most efficient solution. This allowed us to sell the former Franklin building and boost capacity at LHS.
Would Lakewood City Schools need an increase in the levy request if we choose not to repurpose a school?
The District would need a minimum of 1.5 additional mills to maintain its current financial position without repurposing a school.
