Dear Lapeer Community,
As we continue our work to ensure the long-term success of Lapeer Community Schools, I want to provide an update on our progress regarding the district’s restructuring and strategic planning process for the 2027-28 school year. While change often brings uncertainty, our goal is simple: to streamline operations so that we can protect—and grow—the opportunities available to our students.
What You Need to Know
Next Year (2026-27): With the exception of the elementary leadership adjustments recently announced, there will be no changes to programming, building, or grade-level configurations for the upcoming school year.
The Goal: Every efficiency we find is designed to protect the classroom. Our recommendations are focused on consolidating resources to ensure that student programming remains unaffected.
Timeline & Community Engagement
Over the last several months, we have been collecting input from a number of sources, including, but not limited to, input sessions with Board committees, District Parent Advisory Council and staff. Furthermore, we have conducted detailed facility utilization, operations and enrollment studies which are the foundational elements of our plan moving forward.
Transparency is a priority and we invite you to join us as we finalize the 2027-28 Strategic Plan:
May 11 & May 21:
Community Forums @ the LHS Performing Arts Center (6 PM)
All members of the community are invited to attend either or both of these events.
We will share our Strategic Plan presentation including the studies and data referenced above. There will also be a question and discussion period.
June 3: Formal presentation to the Board of the 2027-28 Strategic Plan.
June 24: Board of Education meeting to vote on the plan.
A Personal Note on Change
After 15 years as your Superintendent, I recognize that "change fatigue" is real. We have navigated significant transitions before—such as our high school merger in 2014—and we emerged stronger because of our collective resilience.
I ask for your continued patience as we finalize this plan. There are often rumors during times of transition; I encourage you to rely on official district communications and join us at our upcoming forums to get the facts firsthand.
We are not alone in facing these challenges, but I am confident that Lapeer will continue to lead the way with a plan that puts students first.
Thank you for your partnership,
Matthew T. Wandrie
Superintendent, Lapeer Community Schools