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Lakeland reports steady enrollment overall, kindergarten dip and small cafeteria a la carte price increases
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Horrell reported district enrollment figures — Lakeland Elementary 903 students (preschool excluded) and Lakeland Prep 1,680 — and said Lakeland Elementary is 49 students under projection, primarily in kindergarten; the district has made staffing adjustments.
Superintendent Dr. Horrell gave the board a multifaceted report that included enrollment updates, planned cafeteria a la carte price changes, and recognition of student athletic and academic achievements.
The enrollment numbers provide operational context for staffing and budget decisions: Lakeland Elementary was reported at 903 students (preschool excluded) and Lakeland Prep at 1,680 students. Dr. Horrell said Lakeland Prep was 14 students under its projection while Lakeland Elementary was 49 under projection, with most of the shortfall in kindergarten. He said the district made staffing adjustments in response and that the kindergarten cohort decline may reflect national birth‑rate trends and local housing stock.
On cafeteria pricing, Dr. Horrell told the board that the basic approved meal price remains unchanged but several a la carte items will rise slightly for inflation. He said: “juice, is going up 20¢. Cookies are going up 25¢. Dip is going up 10¢.” He clarified these are optional add-ons to regular meals.
Dr. Horrell also recognized students and coaches from Lakeland Prep for qualifying for and competing at the state tennis tournament; he named students Simer Chaudhry, Kate Sheridan, Madison Fleming and Jenna Cowell and coaches Melanie Fleming and Ben Rollins and invited families and coaches to the dais for certificates and photos.
Dr. Horrell noted a range of instructional and community activities — math walks, a writing workshop, an International Family Night, and professional development — and thanked the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce and parent organizations for fundraising and community support. He also reported strong ticket sales at a recent Lakeland Prep homecoming football game (1,875 tickets sold) and multiple athletic and fine-arts achievements across campuses.
No formal action was required; the board acknowledged the report and asked no follow-up questions beyond routine requests for financial attachments that were already included in the meeting packet.
