Lakewood Superintendent Outlines Plan to Repurpose Lincoln Elementary
Lakewood Superintendent Maggie Niedzwiecki has recommended turning Lincoln Elementary School into an early learning center that would offer before-school, after-school, and summer childcare.
The proposal, shared during Monday night’s Board of Education meeting, is part of a broader plan to address declining enrollment and create more equitable learning environments across the district.
“Repurposing Lincoln minimizes the impact on students compared to other scenarios,” Superintendent Niedzwiecki said. “It will result in fewer students needing to change schools or cross major roads, while also positioning us for projected population growth near the center of the city.”
The Lakewood Board of Education will vote on the proposal during its October 20, 2025 meeting. If approved, the change will take effect in 2027, allowing time for community input, planning, and boundary adjustments.
Niedzwiecki also outlined several recommendations for the district’s special education programs to ensure accessibility and inclusion.
These include moving the CHAMPS program from Horace Mann Elementary’s basement to Hayes Elementary’s first floor, relocating the RISE classroom from Emerson Elementary to Horace Mann, and expanding playgrounds at multiple schools.
The self-contained gifted program would also move from Grant Elementary to Hayes Elementary.
“These changes are designed to create learning spaces that better support every student,” Niedzwiecki said. “Our goal is to make sure every child has access to a high-quality, inclusive education.”
However, not everyone supports the plan. The Preserve Lakewood Schools group has opposed any closures, citing concerns about community loss and the impact on local children. Parents like the Moyers worry about longer walking distances and the effect on local connections that small schools provide.
Still, Superintendent Niedzwiecki emphasized that the recommendations were made with care and balance. “These decisions were not made lightly; they reflect fiscal responsibility, enrollment trends, and our shared commitment to maintaining thriving learning environments,” she said.
The district plans to maintain transparent communication throughout the transition process with regular updates through its website and newsletters.
Every child has the right to education in an inclusive, safe, and supportive learning environment. As Lakewood repurposes its school, the community’s guiding principle should be centered on the children. Every decision should uphold the best interests of the children.
