This morning, (12.12.19), the City of Lakeland transferred via wire $40M to Lakeland School System (LSS) for the construction of a high school facility in Lakeland, according to Dr. Ted Horrell, superintendent for the LSS.
“Due to the history of this issue in Lakeland, it’s been difficult to get fully excited about the plans for the new high school without having the funding securely in hand,” said Dr. Horrell.
“Thanks to the years-long commitment and cooperation of the Lakeland Board of Education and the Board of Commissioners, we can now finally announce that we have the funding in our account to design and build a high school facility that will serve Lakeland students for decades to come. Our focus now shifts to building the best possible school we can with the money we now have. It is truly an exciting moment to see this community dream realized.”
On Monday, (12.9.19), the Lakeland School Board voted unanimously to select the recommendation by Superintendent Dr. Ted Horrell and his staff for the timeline on opening the first high school in Lakeland:
“Open Lakeland Prep in August of 2022 with 9th grade only (current 6th graders). That grade would move up one grade each year and would be the first graduating class from Lakeland Prep in May 2026.”
The project is to take 33 months, completing in June 2022. USDA will provide financing for the $40 million facility to be adjacent to LMPS.
From Commissioner Wesley Wright:
“I am delighted and estatic to know the funds have been transferred to LSS. The work that is about to be done will be transformative for our town. It will secure for Lakeland a solid educational footing for our children as well as open new avenues of interest from investors and families alike. This is a momentous and historic day.”
LSS has two schools: LMPS, which serves grades 5-8, and Lakeland Elementary School, grades K-5. High school students from Lakeland attend Arlington High School through an interlocal between the two cities.
Currently high school students in Lakeland attend Arlington High School (AHS) through an interlocal between the two cities. Lakeland operates Lakeland Elementary (LES) for K-4 and Lakeland Middle Preparatory School LMPS) for grades 5-8.
