Lakewood Schools Officials To Discuss Reopening

LAKEWOOD, OH — Administrators and representatives of the Lakewood Teachers Association will meet this week to discuss a reopening plan for the Lakewood Schools, according to Superintendent Michael Barnes.

While COVID-19 continues to spread aggressively through Ohio, many Lakewood students are struggling in the remote-only education model, Barnes said.

"Our data from the first quarter reveals that many of our students are struggling, including some who have never struggled before now. Grades indicate a significant increase in the number of students at risk of failing," Barnes said in a letter to families.

He further indicated he is in favor of a limited re-opening of school buildings, saying "Many students need in-person instruction to succeed, and those who desire it should have access to it."

The issue of reopening has already divided Lakewood. A Board of Education meeting in late October featured much debate on the issue, with representatives of the teachers association and some members of the community urging the district to stick to remote-only education until the pandemic begins to subside, and some members of the community urging the district to reopen.

In a letter to families, Barnes said he has been to six Northeast Ohio school district where in-person education is ongoing, and he noted the district has learned much about preventing the spread of the virus within school buildings.

"It is important that we try to meet each student where they are and address their independent learning needs. This is the true essence of student-centered learning, which transcends “one size fits all," Barnes said.