To: District Wide
Subject: Letter to Staff from the Superintendent
Dear Lakewood City Schools Staff Member:
I have been very fortunate to have had the privilege to serve as Superintendent of Lakewood City Schools from 1995 to 2004 and again from 2009 to 2011.
During these past two years, my wife and I have lived dual lives in Lakewood and in Sacramento. Additionally, as I am going on 67 and I find that I am no longer having the same fun from doing the job, I have decided to submit my resignation to the Board of Education at our February 22, 2011, meeting to become effective July 31, 2011.
Since coming back to Lakewood in 2009, we have had to deal with the impacts of a deep and prolonged recession. Given the State of Ohio’s budget predicament, more challenges lie ahead. But, let me be clear. I am not leaving because of these challenges. I remain firmly convinced that Lakewood Schools will be successful because of our history of parents, staff, students and the community being able to work together in the best interests of our students.
During these past two years our Performance Index Scores have continued to improve. By passing our levy and making cuts, we have achieved a point of financial stability. This financial stability places us in a position of not having to take drastic measures as we end this school year and begin next school year. As when I left in 2004, I will leave in place an operational template or plan. This plan will have the greatest possibility for Lakewood Schools to succeed academically and financially during the next few years in light of the reductions in state funding that will be coming our way.
I am pleased that the Board has chosen Mr. Jeffrey W. Patterson as the next Superintendent of Lakewood City Schools. Mr. Patterson has been with Lakewood Schools and is familiar with staff and programs. He is intimately involved with our School Improvement Program. He will be working with me on the operational plan that will be left in place. We will be able to work together to provide a seamless transition.
In the meantime, we have much to do between now and July 31. I look forward to this work with you. Thanks for all you do for Lakewood students, Lakewood Schools, and Lakewood.
P. Joseph Madak, Ph.D.
Superintendent