LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – Lake County School Board members are beginning the search for the district’s next superintendent, with current Superintendent Diane Kornegay set to retire at the end of the 2026-27 school year.
“When the 2027 school year starts we will need to have a Superintendent,” one speaker said during Monday’s meeting.
District Communications Officer Sherri Owens confirmed Kornegay’s retirement announcement, telling the board, “Diane Kornegay recently announced she’s retiring.”
Kornegay has served in the role for just under a decade, and the board on Monday approved revisions to the superintendent job description. Board members said they want a candidate with deep experience in Florida schools.
They’re “looking for someone who has at least 10 years experience in Florida Schools,” including “at least five” years at a senior leadership level, a speaker said.
The board said it hopes to select a new superintendent by the end of October.
Another major topic at the meeting: updated plans for two new schools, including a proposed high school on Wellness Way.
Executive Director of Facilities and Growth Planning Kelly Randall said the district is moving forward with a required step tied to the state’s review process: “The capital plan the Board approved in September of 2025, reformatted for submittal to D.O.E.”
District leaders described Monday’s action as a “check-the-box” move for the Florida Department of Education.
Board members said the proposed Wellness Way high school could help families whose students currently travel about 15 miles to attend East Ridge High School, easing commuting stress.
For residents worried about congestion in the area surrounding the planned high school and elementary school, the board said additional road projects are expected before the schools open.
“There is a lot of road network to be built in that area. Lake County has been spearheading that,” one speaker said, adding that the high school is likely 5 - 7 years away, giving time for road improvements intended to relieve congestion.
News 6 will continue tracking this story as more details are released.