Schools Opening In August?
The July school board meeting was held virtually last evening (7/14/20) and all board members, as well as Superintendent Ted Horrell, was present. It’s anticipated this was the last virtual meeting and in person meetings will once again resume starting in August at Lakeland City Hall.
Among several topics, most of the discussion was centered on Lakeland students returning to school. Last spring all Lakeland students finished the year learning remotely from home. However school board Chairman Kevin Floyd said the goal for the 2020-2021 is to have in person learning once again at Lakeland Elementary and Lakeland Prep. Chairman Floyd said, “Our goal today is to open school on time to get the kids back in the building” adding, “we want to respect the virus but not fear the virus.”
Superintendent Ted Horrell also read into the record 3 emails from Lakeland parents about schools opening. All parent comments were supportive of opening school and stressed how important it was for their children to learn in person.
Lakeland School System announced they will release a detailed plan for opening schools on Wednesday, July 15th. Dr. Horrell said they have waited to release the plan of what to expect saying, “we are trying to balance getting this right the first time” but added “it’s impossible to open without any risk.” He made it very clear though the plan will be for full time, in person school but will give an option to parents for remote learning as an alternative.
Lakeland Prep Construction
Also on the agenda was the Superintendent’s report which briefly discussed construction for the high school wing and athletic facilities for Lakeland Prep. Dr. Horell said the construction documents are now finished (engineering documents, architecture, etc.) and they have been put out to bid. Chris Woods construction is now working on mobilization and a construction trailer and equipment is expected on the property very soon to begin the construction process. The high school will be open starting in August of 2022 with the 9th grade phasing in the school.
Land For New Elementary School
The school system is still in the negotiation process with a developer about acquiring land at Old Brownsville Road and Evergreen Road for a future elementary school for Lakeland students. Currently elementary students grades K-4 attend Lakeland Elementary. A future school would help with growth possibly splitting those grades into two separate schools. The school board would have to take action on that decision at some point in the future. For now, the board’s desire is to acquire land so a plan can be put in place once needed.
Other topics discussed included updating school policies about child abuse, Title IX, cyber bullying and a few budget amendments.
To watch the full meeting you can go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ykw0QJO457k
You can find the agenda and supporting documentation here: https://lakelandk12.org/res/web/FY20-21/07.13.20%20BM/07.13.20%20Business%20Meeting%20Agenda.pdf
