Lapeer Community Schools is currently considering a major restructuring of its elementary school system. One proposal (Option A) would group students by grade level and require them to move between different buildings multiple times during their early years.

We are asking district leadership to instead move forward with Option B, which prioritizes greater stability for students and families.

Why this matters:

1. Stability in Early Childhood Matters
Research consistently shows that younger children benefit from consistent environments, routines, and relationships with trusted teachers and staff. Frequent transitions—even within the same district—can require repeated adjustment during some of the most important developmental years.

2. Strong Relationships Support Learning
Elementary school is more than academics. It’s where children build confidence, form friendships, and develop a sense of belonging. Remaining in one school setting for multiple years helps foster those connections.

3. Family Logistics Matter
Option A could place siblings in different buildings with different start and end times, creating additional challenges for families managing transportation, childcare, and daily schedules.

4. Preserving School Community
Keeping a range of grade levels in the same building allows for meaningful interactions between older and younger students—like reading buddies and mentorship opportunities—that help build leadership, confidence, and a stronger school culture.

5. A Simpler, More Predictable Experience for Students
Under the current system, families choose an elementary school where their child can remain through multiple grade levels. Option B maintains a more familiar and predictable experience, rather than requiring students to adapt to new buildings repeatedly.

We understand that facility use, enrollment, and resources are important considerations. However, these decisions should also prioritize the social, emotional, and developmental needs of our students.

We urge Lapeer Community Schools to choose Option B — a plan that supports stability, strong relationships, and a consistent learning environment for our children.

Other districts have already tried this model — and are now reversing course.

Swartz Creek Community Schools recently voted to return to a traditional K-5 structure after officials acknowledged the changes did not deliver the academic or financial benefits they hoped for, and community members overwhelmingly wanted the traditional setup back. https://www.mlive.com/news/flint/2025/11/swartz-creek-schools-to-return-to-k-5-model-in-2026.html?outputType=amp

We do not want Lapeer to make the same mistake.

Take action:
Sign this petition to show your support and help ensure parent voices are heard before a final decision is made.

Attend the next informational meeting on Thursday, May 21st - 6pm at the Performing Arts Center. 

Contact Superintendent Matt Wandrie with your questions/concerns:
(810) 538-1606
matthew.wandrie@lapeerschools.org

Reach out to the School Board:

Summer Putnam, President, summer.putnam@lapeerschools.org
Craig Watson, Vice President, craig.watson@lapeerschools.org
Lisa Novak, Secretary, lisa.novak@lapeerschools.org
April LaBar, Trustee, april.labar@lapeerschools.org
Casey Carpenter, Trustee, casey.carpenter@lapeerschools.org
Tim Lipka, Trustee, tim.lipka@lapeerschools.org
John Van Wagoner, Trustee, john.vanwagoner@lapeerschools.org
Administrative Assistant: Mary Moss, mary.moss@lapeerschools.org