Ask Roxann – Volume 2
For many people October brings fond memories of apple picking with loved ones and the aroma of freshly baked pie. For others, October is about the perfect Halloween costume, Homecoming, and elementary school Fall Festivals. For me, October celebrates some of those committed individuals who make the Lakewood Schools truly the best place to work and learn. In 2009, October was declared National Principals’ Month by Congressional resolution, and it is my pleasure to honor Lakewood’s finest.
It is fair to say that Lakewood has been blessed with the finest staff members in all of our employee groups, and our principals are no exception. Collectively, our principals lead our buildings in the day-to-day operations, but also connect with each parent, teacher, staff member and child, each and every day. They take the time to tourand welcome new families, recognize children for their successes, plan building-wide celebrations, introduce their staff and students to new neighbors during transition, find innovative ways to encourage academic and social growth, and ultimately keep our students safe. Principals are the people we trust to take care of our most prized possession, our children.
I can say without reservation that I am proud to work alongside our amazing principals. Congratulations to the leaders of our Lakewood School buildings and I thank them for all that they do!
Mr. Keith Ahearn: Lakewood High School, Principal
Mr. Yakoob Badat: Lakewood High School, House Principal
Mr. Bill DiMascio: Lakewood High School, House Principal
Mr. Joe Takacs: Lakewood High School, House Principal
Mrs. Linda Thayer: West Shore Career and Technical District, Coordinator
Ms. Terri Bornino-Elwell: Lakewood City Academy, Coordinator
Mr. Mark Walter: Garfield Middle School, Principal
Mr. Tony Chiaravalle: Garfield Middle School, Assistant Principal
Mr. Joe Niemantsverdriet: Harding Middle School, Principal
Mr. Shane Sullivan: Harding Middle School, Assistant Principal
Mr. Brian Siftar: Emerson Elementary School, Principal
Ms. Philis Muth: Grant Elementary School, Principal
Ms. Sabrina Crawford: Harrison Elementary School, Principal
Mrs. Sandra Powers: Hayes Elementary School, Principal
Dr. Merritt Waters: Horace Mann Elementary School, Principal
Mrs. Sandra Kozelka: Lincoln Elementary School, Principal
Ms. Eileen Griffiths: Roosevelt Elementary School, Principal
CONGRATULATIONS LAKEWOOD PRINCIPALS!
Question: What happens to all of the items in the buildings that are being demolished?
Answer: Over the past few months we have been busy working to prepare our district for the upcoming construction project. One of the first items of business was to vacate the buildings and prepare for demolition. There are many steps to the demolition process beginning with clearing each building of all items that are not permanent fixtures. Next, is the process to abate the buildings of hazardous materials to ensure environmental safety prior to the dismantling of each existing structure.
Currently, we are wrapping up the removal of items within the buildings, and began this process with a public auction of all items that the staff would not use in the future, or items that have been in storage for great lengths of time. Each building staff was given priority on the contents prior to moving into transition sites. Kudos to the Operations Department led by Jim Reitenbach and his assistant Gerry Mayernik, who did the heavy lifting for the public auction. As a result of this process the district was able to earn approximately $90,000.
As another step in the demolition process, the schools reached out to other government entities to form collaborative relationships. For example, Mr. Joseph Beno, Director of Public Works for the City of Lakewood, was able to house equipment from a former woodshop within the schools. The schools were unable to house a few pieces of equipment, but now due to this collaboration, the schools have access to the equipment now housed within the City.
In an effort to continue to build relationships among the several government entities, the vacated school buildings were offered to the Police and Fire Departments for training purposes. Local heroes continue to use the facilities to enhance response procedures and for ongoing job embedded professional development to keep Lakewood safe.
Once we are ready to turn over the buildings to the abatement and demolition contractors, part of their next steps will be to scrap material left in the buildings. This is part of a traditional abatement and demolition bid package to offset costs to the district.
Finally, the Lakewood Rangers Education Foundation will be coordinating a sale of bricks from each building as well as a sale of the Lakewood High School East Gym floor. Please reach out to Mrs. Missy Toms, Executive Director, at 216.529.4033 for more detailed information.
I look forward to your questions and comments in future “Ask Roxann” articles.
Roxann Ramsey-Caserio
Assistant Superintendent