Lakewood Schools forum looks to district's future

The first of seven community meetings to discuss the future of Lakewood Schools was held Wednesday evening.

Superintendent Jeff Patterson hosted about a meeting attended by about 20 people at Hayes School on Delaware Avenue.

Patterson and district personnel are looking for input on the future challenges and opportunities for the district.

Patterson asked the group to prioritize programs to cut or save as the district, like many districts in the state, looks to cut its budget for the upcoming school year.

“We still are foreseeing that our expenses will be outpacing our revenues, so cuts will need to be made and this is where we’re getting our input,” said Christine Gordillo, Lakewood Schools’ Communications and PR Specialist. “The taxpayers are who support us and we want to know what they think. ”

Parents at the meeting voiced strong support for keeping cuts away from the classroom and programs which directly impact students.

Questions were asked pertaining to building utilization and Patterson addressed the yet-to-begin third phase of the district’s building plan.

“We also want to hear from the community about what they see positive about our district in the future, we want to continue to achieve at a high level despite cuts and we think we can do that with the staff, and administration we have and a supportive community,” she said.

Lakewood residents last approved a school levy in May, 2010 with a promise from the administration not to ask for another levy until at least mid-May 2013.

“We’re going to honor the promise we made to the voters in 2010,” Gordillo said.

The next meeting will take place January 24 at Grant Elementary School at 7 p.m.

More information on upcoming meetings can be found at www.lakewoodcityschools.org.