Steven Ast

This Financial Forecast Report for the Lakewood City School District serves as a tool for long-range financial planning, assessing financial health, and identifying potential fiscal challenges. Covering the fiscal years 2026 through 2030, the report projects that expenditure growth will outpace revenue increases. This trend is expected to lead to a significant decline in the district's cash balance and a projected revenue shortfall by fiscal year 2030. To achieve a balanced budget in 2030, a revenue increase of 17.81% or an expenditure reduction of $19,945,518 would be necessary.

The meeting commenced with an executive session to consider the employment and/or dismissal of a public employee, concluding before the public session. During the public session, the agenda was adopted, and minutes from previous meetings held on January 22, 2026, February 2, 2026 (Special), and February 2, 2026 (Regular) were approved. The Superintendent's report included updates and recognition of Horace Mann Elementary students. The Board approved the consent agenda covering Finance, Buildings, Sites and Major Purchases, Education Report, and Policy items. Financial items included investments matured and financial information for December 2025. Education items involved the approval of calendars for the 2027-2029 school years, student clubs, a tuition waiver, an extended field trip, instructional materials, courses of study, and gifts received in February 2026. Human Resources actions, including Certified, Classified, and Community Recreation & Education items, were approved, along with a Memorandum of Understanding with the Lakewood Community Baseball Softball Association. Finally, certain Certified and Classified actions were approved on one reading.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and the adoption of the agenda for the Regular Board of Education Meeting. The Superintendent's Report included updates on district performance, highlighting student resilience recognition and staff commendations for educators. A key finance update involved Treasurer Rohde addressing an error in the county fiscal certification from a previous meeting, requiring a resolution on the current agenda to present accurate taxable property values. Discussions covered investment activity for December 2025, updates on buildings and major purchases, and educational items including the approval of calendars for 2027-2029 and resolutions for student clubs, field trips, and instructional materials. Human Resources matters concerning certified and classified staff were also reviewed. Action items included the approval of Lakewood High School graduation candidates, approval of certified and classified actions on one reading, and the approval of a resolution to submit a 6.9-Mill Tax Levy question to the electors for current expenses.

The meeting addressed several administrative and operational items, including the adoption of the agenda for the rescheduled regular meeting. Key discussion areas included Superintendent Updates and Legislative Updates. Several consent agenda items were approved, covering Finance (including investments and financial information for November 2025), Buildings, Sites and Major Purchases, Education Report (approving an agreement with The Stepping Stones Group, an extended field trip, adoption of courses of study, and gifts received), and Policy. The Human Resources section saw approvals for various certified and classified personnel actions, including new hires, coaches/advisors, and pay rate changes for community recreation and game workers. Under Other Board Business, approvals were requested on one reading for certain Certified and Classified actions, a resolution submitting a 6.9-mill tax levy question to electors, and revisions to Preschool Tuition. A first reading was held for the approval of Lakewood High School Candidates for Graduation.

This Elementary Plan aims to align enrollment, facilities, and learning for long-term success, guided by the principles of taking time to listen, planning responsibly, and providing clear communication. The plan outlines a timeline of initiatives from 2026 to 2027, focusing on kindergarten and preschool registration, annual open enrollment processes, new facility launches, and community engagement through a Family Advisory Group to support students and families through anticipated changes.