The "Why" Behind our Elem. Task Force

Lakewood City Schools have always been a cornerstone of the community, with families taking pride in walking their children to nearby schools. However, as enrollment numbers decline, we face a growing challenge: how to maintain high-quality education while efficiently using our buildings.

Since 2013, our district has seen a reduction of about 1,600 students across all grade levels. This decline has resulted in an average capacity utilization of just 68% at our elementary schools, with some schools as low as 62% and others over 80%. The percentages drop even lower when utilizing the state standard of 25 students per classroom (versus Lakewood’s more ideal class size of 22), with some buildings dropping significantly below 60% capacity.

This means that many of our buildings are operating well below their intended capacity of 80-85%, which affects the consistency and quality of education. Smaller student numbers have also led to uneven class sizes, forcing teachers to move between buildings to address imbalances. This disrupts continuity and collaboration among staff, ultimately impacting our students. To tackle this issue proactively, we must consider how to better align our facilities with current enrollment patterns.

Repurposing a building would help balance class sizes across the District, allowing for more equitable attention to student learning needs. In fact, many class sizes would become smaller and more manageable, promoting collaborative learning and stronger peer interactions. This approach also reduces disruptions from frequent teacher relocations, fostering a stable and supportive environment.

By making thoughtful, data-driven decisions now, we can ensure that our schools continue to thrive. Addressing this challenge head-on allows us to plan for a sustainable future, where every Lakewood student receives the best possible educational experience.

Learn more about the Task Force’s work at https://www.lakewoodcityschools.org/find-it-fast-links/facilities-study.