2025 started off hard for us! Late this past December a local school administrator was fired. Few details about his case are available but his abrupt departure suggests a serious failure. This man was a friend and partner to Lakewood Connects and we feel his loss personally.

In 2013 this leader was a local elementary school principal and we supported efforts to raise money and community partnership to renovate school grounds into a neighborhood gathering place. Within a couple of years this man was promoted to a top school administration position.

New Year’s Day 2025 he ended his life leaving his family and community in shock. This man was a mentor, a leader’s leader and force for good who failed publically. In late January Lakewood Connects Director, Reg Cox partnered with his Rabbi to conduct his memorial.

What should we do when a friend fails? Should we hide from the fact of our relationship as negative narratives swirl around the tattered reputation of a fallen leader? Is there any way to “redeem” a loss as consequential and devastating as this? Is despair our only option?

A foundational organizational value for Lakewood Connects is “Compassion in Action.” Compassion dictates that we enter into pain regardless of the circumstances, consequences or cost. That conviction led us to participate in his memorial but also to seek ways to redeem the “good” in his life for positive means. You may ask; “How in the world could that happen?”

As the result of this tragedy, Lakewood Connects has partnered with government, faith, business and education leaders across our community to find pathways to greater leadership support, transparency and healing. Winston Churchill famously said, “Don’t let a good crisis go to waste.” In that spirit our friend’s death spurs us to healing action. Here are three things happening now:

Healing Action Plans – Building Pathways to Equip Hope and Healing:

1. Faith-Educator Prayer: Partner with School and Faith leaders to build/support meetings between local pastors and their neighborhood school leaders for regular times of prayer.
2. Mental Health-Leader Seminars: Support local Hope and Healing seminars and equipping events at local churches and at the school district.
3. Hope and Healing Event: Partner with Jeffco School’s “Family and Community Partnerships” office to plan an event that helps unite community support to and for education leadership.

The goal in these “Healing Action Plans” is to build events, opportunities and equipping so healthy connection and relationships can flourish in our community among leaders of all organizations. Lakewood Connects is blessed to support and lead in this work. Our conviction is that Faith and Education can work together to create healthier relationships and more hope.

Our friend’s death shocked us but it also compels us to find and forge new pathways for healing and partnerships. When Faith and Education forge appropriate ways to partner and connect more than just “repair” can occur, we can forge a thriving and flourishing future together. That’s what Lakewood Connects is all about. Thanks for your love and support!

Reg Cox, Executive Director, Lakewood Connects