The Observation Deck

Jeffrey W. Patterson wrote:President Markling and Members of the Board of Education:

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Lakewood Board of Education for your support and confidence as we transition leadership in our school district. It is an honor to be selected as Superintendent of the Lakewood Schools.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank and recognize Dr. Madak for his outstanding leadership and work on critical issues facing our schools. It has been a pleasure to work with you these past two years. Your strategic leadership and support is greatly appreciated.

During my career as a teacher, coach, and administrator I have had the opportunity to live and work in several Ohio communities. I can tell you that the support we have from the Lakewood community is unmatched. We have a citizenry that supports its public schools, parents who want the very best for their children and we have an excellent staff both certificated and classified. The people that I go to work with every day are committed to making this school district the best it can be. Literally, one of the people I go to work with each day, my wife Nancy is here with me this evening.

Nearly five years ago Nancy (a computer teacher at Garfield Middle School) and I disrupted our lives and careers by moving our family to Lakewood. At the time, we were not sure what the future held for us. It did not take us long to recognize that Lakewood is a special place to live and work. We are continuously impressed by the people we meet and the talents of our students and staff.

Just think about what has happened over the last five years in this school district. We opened four new elementary schools, two new middle schools, rebuilt half of Lakewood High, we infused technology into the classroom, we improved student achievement as measured by the state report card, we significantly reduced our expenditures by making cost saving measures and we passed an operating levy. And all of this took place while many Ohio school districts were struggling. How did all of this happen? We had vision, effective leadership, involvement and support by our community and a lot of hard work by our staff and students.

During these next few months I look forward to working with Dr. Madak to make sure we have a smooth transition. Like most districts across our nation we are facing some unique challenges – diminished state budgets and more reliance on local finances, completing a facilities plan, meeting the needs for 21st century learners to name just a few. However, in spite of these challenging issues I feel fortunate moving into this position because we have a visionary Board of Education – willing to do what is best for our students, an excellent school treasurer and cabinet, effective building principals and a very, very talented staff.

Again, thank you for this opportunity. I am looking forward to working with you and continuing to serve our community’s greatest resource – our Lakewood students.