[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6233832,"mediaKeyId","3413746-3fbeea9bab87557c8139d0b33e7e5f50","parentId",3413746,"title","Board confirms Miss Speed as Bok North principal","audioSeconds",69,"startMs",5224380,"endMs",5293455,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3413746-3fbeea9bab87557c8139d0b33e7e5f50&start=5224&end=5293","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3413746-3fbeea9bab87557c8139d0b33e7e5f50/thumbnail_5224380.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6233832/Florida/Board-confirms-Miss-Speed-as-Bok-North-principal","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6233832-e88e26bc9a660de7bf575ff2d595ce25/orig.mp4?Expires=1771115183&Signature=U5Jh2AumCI4PDGxGz9ILeLwPFr1Cbula~pglrzWvdExBXBxbUId6VSs7XpSNhEJabnE0oZCqUGW95hv6q~I8PeG8o~DZwszQWcRZmGkrM4fIAK9HjV-MGuFOeQ8AaXa-jE1oCthA3hrm8VZn7QK7nDgv2OXkB-jIIgJ1W3ghquxdbAceW8b5aKiiuE~roTTZRpb44y6tbO92WD8qCzERLTHd-Wbqj-QgzlH9wZghqdQRpUkKwchDlEgDNMk2Y~6CXSsHSNDdleMgeQNesyIIs4uhytHgyRSeEMsirDWgqsOhDwis5b4yCnJ6K5VlbJ2gr4JSKe-7l0sqrPJq067yhQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Lake Wales Charter Schools","date","2025-05-20T00:00:00Z","article","The Lake Wales Charter Schools Board on May 29 approved the superintendent’s recommendation to confirm Miss Speed as the permanent principal of Bok North.

Superintendent Ricky presented Miss Speed as the selection and asked trustees to confirm the appointment. A motion to confirm Miss Speed as Bok North principal was moved by Trustee Lynn, seconded by Rafael, and approved by voice vote.

Why it matters: The appointment fills a campus leadership position before the upcoming school year and appears intended to provide continuity for staff and students.

Discussion vs. decision: Trustees treated the item as a confirmation; the board’s vote was the formal action that finalized the appointment.

What’s next: The district will update personnel records and public communications to reflect the permanent principal appointment.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","LWCS Work Session/Financial Meeting and LWCS Board Meeting May 19, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The board voted to confirm Miss Speed as the permanent principal of Bok North during the May 29 meeting after the superintendent requested board confirmation.","taxTitle","Lake Wales Charter Schools, School Districts, Florida","taxId",49335,"location","Florida","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6233837,"Schools report end-of-year testing results and summer plans; principals praise staff and volunteers",607,2955635,3562980,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3413746-3fbeea9bab87557c8139d0b33e7e5f50&start=2955&end=3562","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3413746-3fbeea9bab87557c8139d0b33e7e5f50/thumbnail_2955635.jpg","/articles/6233837/Florida/Schools-report-end-of-year-testing-results-and-summer-plans-principals-praise-staff-and-volunteers","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6233837-2b17ecc27b7aaf18a3d6381f053af4a6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771115183&Signature=LF7Sfii5a6SaRMH-0NI9RhfIhAL1umRcNNEcYUmVtsUKx9HKfjS3061FHZdDNNAqknk9rOEdE-5D0K8MUttwlQdRGm7KaaD3LN5YebbUvBDC5fOjspbN3tmN7RKU4ZIJ40eWm3POCQ0SBehQsOqnJozQ1lhutb0~qIyx7FT0WVLE2kenMxmBP-krUoRk3nOmN0Xtb-aWcpk-5c01QVTvPw32q~T8tgezDoGYacEW023Ya0A0mr52dxK~BX0AOzuQmJUnXRIYK9hLZYdSUfrYPghK2RwphGQF-Kf6QlkiiYpykjshHjIbpZCZmhBOlNzXmFnujIon38DC9VNO~RBy1Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several Lake Wales Charter Schools principals reported end-of-year testing status, upcoming summer programs and campus celebrations at the board’s May 29 meeting.

Principals described testing as mostly complete and said some makeup testing remains. Janie Howard’s principal reported that $250,000 directed to Janie Howard supports contracted services for ESE units and does not fund general-education expenses; she also said four classrooms were without air conditioning that day and classes had been relocated. Polk Avenue’s principal highlighted UFLI implementation in kindergarten and first grade with ‘‘spectacular’’ proficiency rates and honored a volunteer of the year who contributed roughly 288 hours through United Way Reading Pals. North’s principal reported preliminary civics proficiency near 87% and reading and math gains for sixth grade (reading up to 56%, math from 18% to 50% in sixth grade), though all principals cautioned the data remain raw until makeups and final counts are reconciled.

Why it matters: Test results and summer programming inform instruction, staffing and budget priorities; principals urged continued community support for classrooms and enrichment programs.

Other items: Schools listed award dates, eighth-grade celebrations and summer-school plans. Trustees and administrators encouraged board members to attend baccalaureate, graduations and other end-of-year events.

Discussion vs. decision: These reports were informational; trustees did not take formal action on the testing results during the meeting but did discuss scheduling and support for summer events.

What’s next: Principals will finalize makeup testing results and return final performance data in future reports; the district will continue summer-school and leadership activities as described by each principal.

","Principals from Janie Howard, Polk Avenue, North and others reported testing data (provisional gains in civics, reading and math), detailed summer programs and thanked volunteers and staff at the May 29 meeting.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6233842,"Board discusses 2025–26 compensation plan and budget timing; superintendent recommends July meeting to finalize figures",162,1543290,1705800,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3413746-3fbeea9bab87557c8139d0b33e7e5f50&start=1543&end=1705","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3413746-3fbeea9bab87557c8139d0b33e7e5f50/thumbnail_1543290.jpg","/articles/6233842/Florida/Board-discusses-202526-compensation-plan-and-budget-timing-superintendent-recommends-July-meeting-to-finalize-figures","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6233842-f818a0e87bc866405b01f848bb4be4a9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771115183&Signature=GDDESxDX2FerRV78x8ILqDC17OOM8Kxs1seKAHKZfWTBs3hCfBWNvKKO31jjeO-FpAOiHkei2Kfop1W1SihC7efXvcrgSs3tXadovPI~6lcXXXWFqNixfTCAgXqcklR~vZB0S~l3VFVQ5pD-oBG8Wim8RtdVY8cQqJVMCuSXADdwPbHjhRNlt71~CRZi1AL~pjVJUir2qyzLqx3ttMMfhJcFtaUO3A-ZqW03Srz9cx62Dn6OgldQnojhOjnwekmEAsRZpShVuOsGmTLzDuTjbA~pYLOtTGp6RRy7bRzEOGLHkTSQvqTx2xO9LYprb8H-pp-mck-YkO5-T7P-Wje2XQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lake Wales Charter Schools trustees on May 29 reviewed the draft employee compensation plan for the 2025–26 school year and discussed timing for final budget approval amid pending state funding decisions.

Superintendent Ricky told trustees that federal-program allocations were essentially flat and that the district would prepare a budget but wait for the state appropriation act before final approval. He recommended scheduling a July meeting to present a budget with greater confidence once state action is complete. The board voted to add a July meeting to the 2025–26 calendar.

Why it matters: State and federal funding levels determine how much the district can commit to salary increases, program funding and operations for the new fiscal year.

Compensation specifics and risk: Trustees discussed teacher pay and the system’s need to remain competitive with Polk County. The superintendent said conference-report figures indicate additional money for teacher salary increases (he referenced the conference report and a senate bill figure during discussion), but final numbers depend on the governor signing the appropriation. The superintendent also explained the district’s health-insurance premium carries a significant cost: he estimated the district’s health plan costs roughly $7 million against a roughly $44 million general fund, and that rising premium costs have absorbed funds that might otherwise be available for raises.

Trustees asked when final figures would be available; the superintendent said he expects to present final budget figures at the July meeting to avoid adopting a budget that might need later reversal.

Board action: Trustees approved the employee compensation plan as presented for formal vote in the regular meeting (motion passed). The compensation committee will meet to refine numbers once state funding is finalized.

What’s next: HR and administration will prepare a July budget presentation and the compensation committee will reconvene to model sustainable raise scenarios pending the state appropriation.

","Trustees reviewed a proposed employee compensation plan for 2025–26 and heard superintendent analysis that some state funding remains uncertain until the appropriation act is signed; the superintendent proposed a July meeting to finalize the budget.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6233847,"Board narrows superintendent search to five finalists; one-on-one interviews to begin, community meet-and-greet scheduled",151,542610,694435,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3413746-3fbeea9bab87557c8139d0b33e7e5f50&start=542&end=694","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3413746-3fbeea9bab87557c8139d0b33e7e5f50/thumbnail_542610.jpg","/articles/6233847/Florida/Board-narrows-superintendent-search-to-five-finalists-one-on-one-interviews-to-begin-community-meet-and-greet-scheduled","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6233847-e1367e945f2cd460a46a70721040fd6d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771115183&Signature=H5D3sxEC-z8jv-TK2mVzRzi-A8fhcBzLCDJcJqSiA4x~zqfM~OsNLF7zLe6TxrWsocMwwoJzzi6tWxOXnB~D48ewo7uNs9AZtzVnbTp-Y~bWbBlmYyvltHkMx1PcLDkcrVqdFX-VICaVYftc9MINcj9H4uqHB3TElQCGd9mJkt4wSwS1miMIOAF9slO-Fud3btQarn~aaATcWK8d0V5mGw2O7-Ec~oi9a~ksU6mu-GzEw5CYx4uzatmAdf0DUbgUCJPHzzA3RNjdW8Ih7wbn2XTxJBmOzDV0nReqMbidEyxwNTrobgWvySO2Nk7OhcUwc5oAQuNuc1EEVGCQARad9g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lake Wales Charter Schools trustees reviewed the superintendent search timeline during the May 29 work session and confirmed next steps: one-on-one finalist interviews, a public meet-and-greet, and two June meetings for selection and contract approval.

The board said HR received candidate applications through the HR portal and that the search committee completed initial scoring and identified the top 10 applicants. The board requested video responses from those top 10, received responses by May 2, and at a special meeting on May 14 narrowed the field to five finalists and scheduled in-person interviews for the week of May 26 at First Baptist Church. Trustees arranged a community meet-and-greet at the Lake Wales Arts Center; attendance was invited for the evening session.

Why it matters: The superintendent hire will shape district leadership and the 2025–26 school-year plans, including budget and compensation decisions.

Process details and confidentiality: Trustees will conduct one-on-one finalist interviews on the planned interview day and use an HR-provided scoring sheet to rate responses to three standardized questions the board selected during the work session. Counsel and staff reminded trustees to keep the interview questions confidential to preserve integrity of the process. The board set a special meeting for June 5 to select a finalist and start contract negotiations and a June 16 meeting to approve the contract.

A candidate withdrawal: The board chair notified trustees that applicant number 18, Dr. Melissa Coleman, withdrew her application.

Discussion vs. decision: The work session discussion established procedures and dates but did not itself select a superintendent; the board scheduled formal selection and contract approval for the June special meeting and the June 16 board meeting.

What’s next: Trustees will hold one-on-one interviews with the five finalists on the scheduled interview day, use scoring forms provided by HR, then meet June 5 to consider selections and June 16 to approve a contract if terms are settled.

","The board described the superintendent search timeline: top 10 applicants were identified, video responses were requested, five finalists selected for in-person interviews the week of May 26 with a community meet-and-greet and final selection scheduled for June.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6233851,"Board selects Keith Thompson for seat 7 after 4-3 vote; teacher rep Jamie Winfrey approved",4950,48645,4999599,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3413746-3fbeea9bab87557c8139d0b33e7e5f50&start=48&end=4999","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3413746-3fbeea9bab87557c8139d0b33e7e5f50/thumbnail_48645.jpg","/articles/6233851/Florida/Board-selects-Keith-Thompson-for-seat-7-after-4-3-vote-teacher-rep-Jamie-Winfrey-approved","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6233851-80de00e91b19dc8ab52bcab543ea8ffc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771115183&Signature=ZSyfkWDls6PLRIqAeTGvgELlmmW8KtvA3161xTLY~HUJF3-~pZ0mrEx~pyCfp1LuTmGeQIJpmDk6CNqVhIwLZpGCia1a4l-kq7FzFDoXZFhky4rNtUJv6Jhl1EqbgShOxN3CZYKIz3LL85oPtYlPv1FhTqu1~y2F5k9moTrWnFTxijjBRuzH14M7ijuwlYaQbHoQEVfqJFwOeVamhYAlMtUwNlYF3vZRJiUtl4eJ6a5KxGq57WVd2vY1IMhVVCYE0uoCdVvSV-BjHnee7RM7J8MqSXEgs07UGD95OTsotE35dd2bdUSpD4BsFqS0sIkiQ4iKEMQ90ndwSC6z8w1T9Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lake Wales Charter Schools Board of Trustees on May 29 confirmed Jamie Winfrey as the teacher representative for Polk Avenue Elementary and voted to fill board-select seat 7 with Keith Thompson.

The approvals came during the regular meeting following a work session in which trustees reviewed four board-select nominees for seat 7: Keith Thompson, T.J. McKeehan, Scott Thompson and Skip Alford. The board-select seats, the board explained earlier in the work session, are filled by trustee nomination rather than by PTO/SAC selection.

Why it matters: Seat 7 is a board-select position intended to preserve continuity on the board; the appointment shifts the composition of the board as the district prepares to complete a superintendent search and finalize the next fiscal-year budget.

Trustees considered background information and personal recommendations for nominees during the work session. One trustee recounted community-service and system involvement for Dr. T.J. McKeehan, noting years of local service, leadership on the Lake Wales Charter Foundation and long-term business ownership in Lake Wales. Other trustees described Keith Thompson’s public-service background, his role as a city commissioner and his past work with capital projects and impact-fee advocacy.

During the regular meeting Trustee Doctor Hutto moved to appoint Jamie Winfrey as the Polk Avenue teacher representative; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote. Later a motion to appoint Keith Thompson to seat 7 was moved by Doctor Hutto and seconded by Trustee Tanya; the board recorded four yes votes and three nays and the motion carried. The board recorded the three opposing votes by name during the roll call as Andy, Brian and Lori; the board announced the final tally as four yes, three no.

Discussion vs. decision: Trustees aired endorsements and background information about nominees in the work session; the formal appointment of Thompson was the board’s official action taken in the regular meeting.

What’s next: Thompson will assume the responsibilities of seat 7. Trustees indicated they had received nominees’ biographical materials and resumes before the vote.

","The Lake Wales Charter Schools Board confirmed Jamie Winfrey as the Polk Avenue teacher representative and voted 4-3 to appoint Keith Thompson to the board-select seat 7 after trustee discussion and nominations.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board confirms Miss Speed as Bok North principal

Schools report end-of-year testing results and summer plans; principals praise staff and volunteers

Board discusses 2025–26 compensation plan and budget timing; superintendent recommends July meeting to finalize figures

Board narrows superintendent search to five finalists; one-on-one interviews to begin, community meet-and-greet scheduled

Board selects Keith Thompson for seat 7 after 4-3 vote; teacher rep Jamie Winfrey approved