Lakewood Schools Looking for Feedback on New Facilities, Proposed Levy

The Lakewood City Schools have OK’d a ballot measure that would pay for half of the $100 million needed to demolish Grant, Lincoln and Roosevelt elementary schools, as well as the eastern portion of the high school, then rebuild them.

The other half of the funding would come from the state.

But before the measure heads to the Nov. 5 ballot box, district officials are looking to see how the idea is received in a survey.

The survey asks potential voters how they feel about supporting another levy, as well as the district’s Long Range Master Facilities Plan.

Click here to take the survey

After receiving the news that Lakewood City Schools had been approved for more than $50 million to finishing rebuilding a few schools, the school board agreed to ask voters to pay for the other half.

$49,967,352 to be exact.

The first measure is a 3.25-mill bond issue; and the other is a .5-mill permanent improvement levy. They will appear on the Nov. 5 ballot.

The total combined millage is an expected 3.75 mills.

The survey looks to gauge the interest of potential voters.

On a side note, the survey also asks where residents get “accurate information about the Lakewood City Schools bond issue.” 

News outlets, such as the Plain Dealer (you know, because people read the Plain Dealer for news about Lakewood City Schools) were listed. 

Notably absent was Lakewood Patch.

In 2009, the district decided to shutter Grant Elementary School. However, the district recently shifted gears when presented with new data suggesting that enrollment is projected to climb during the next several years.

The school will stay, but like the others it will be rebuilt.

At the high school, everything east of the Civic Auditorium will be demolished and rebuilt.

Demolition on the buildings could begin as soon as summer of 2014, with construction beginning that fall. Details, such as where classes will be held during the construction, still need ironed out.

Widespread financial hardships prevented the district from moving forward with the third phase then.