The Lakewood City Schools Board of Education had its first meeting of the month on March 2. They presented a mix of serious financial numbers that keep our district running and high enthusiasm for students and district-wide success. The meeting gave the community a look at the “magic” happening in the classroom and the budget to sustain it.
The board also recognized staff members during its “Educator Spotlight,” honoring three individuals who helped bring the district’s vision to life. Family Resource Coordinator Adrienne Parker was recognized for her “do what it takes” approach to helping families secure housing. Preschool teacher Greg Stormer was celebrated for his creative, play-based teaching methods that help the district’s youngest learners feel comfortable — including counting “one-teen, two-teen, three-teen” to encourage students to correct him.
Rounding out the honors was 40-year veteran teacher Kim Sperli. While presenting the award, Director of Human Resources Jeff Schlade shared a message from Principal Sabrina Jackson: “I truly can’t say enough about Kim’s dedication and professionalism … always putting her best foot forward and making the most out of every situation for the benefit of our students.”
Sperli shared an anecdote that illustrated Macie’s character: “My stapler broke before Christmas, and I kept telling the kids, ‘Santa’s going to bring me a new stapler.’ Macy got to shop with a cop during the holidays, and when she came back, she handed me a box and said, ‘Santa came early.’ She used her shop with a cop to get me a new stapler.”
She used her shop with a cop to get me a new stapler.” The main presentation focused on the rollout of the RCA House System. Based on the Ron Clark Academy model, the system is designed to build a sense of community across different grade levels. Through videos and student interviews, the board saw the excitement of “reveal day,” where kids used scratch-off tickets to find out which house they belonged to.
The presentation also focused on the rollout of the RCA House System. Based on the Ron Clark Academy model, the program aims to build stronger connections across grade levels. Through videos and student interviews, board members saw the excitement of “reveal day,” when students used scratch-off tickets to discover which house they belonged to.
The mood shifted from celebration to the practical side of running a school as the board moved into its financial report. One of the largest topics was the 6.9-mill operating levy on the May 5 ballot.
The levy is expected to raise about $12.3 million annually, which district officials say is necessary to maintain current programs without cuts. “Adopting this statement ensures transparency and compliance with Ohio law as we communicate about the levy with our community,” Rohde explained.
Rohde also shared that 76.4% of Lakewood’s spending goes directly into classrooms — well above the state average. She added that due to debt refinancing, an older bond levy will decrease by 2.0 mills, helping offset some of the impact of the proposed levy for homeowners.
The board also approved several new student-led groups, including a Fellowship of Christian Athletes club (FCA) at the high school and a Spelling Bee Club at Horace Mann. Members renewed the West Shore Career-Technical agreement, ensuring Lakewood remains a regional hub for technical training for our neighbors in Bay Village, Rocky River and Westlake through 2030.
Before the meeting concluded, the board discussed the removal of the old modular classrooms outside of Taft. Superintendent Maggie Neidzwiecki said the project has progressed slowly due to weather and logistical challenges but confirmed the district has set a firm deadline of March 9 for the vendor to remove them from the property.
As things wrapped up, board members encouraged residents to stay involved and review the facts regarding the May levy. They emphasized the district’s programs and school culture rely heavily on continued community partnership.
The board is scheduled to meet again March 16 at Lakewood High School.
