Congressman honors Lake County Schools’ A rating; board hears donations, safety and capital-plan notices

U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster visited the Lake County School Board meeting on Aug. 25 to congratulate the district after it earned an A rating from the Florida Department of Education for the 2024-25 school year.

Superintendent (unnamed) and board members thanked staff, teachers and students for the rating and invited the congressman and his party to pose for photographs. The superintendent said the district and board received recognition that the congressman intended to enter in the Congressional Record.

The superintendent also announced community donations and local partnership activity. She said a community organization that routinely contributes to Fruitland Park schools provided $26,000 this year to support Beverly Shores, and that a new group called Project Legacy — described in the meeting as operating with churches in the area under the name Bless Rhymes — presented a contribution to Rhymes Early Learning Center. The superintendent described these as examples of growing community partnerships benefiting local schools.

Board members used their remarks to reinforce appreciation for staff. Dr. Luke reminded board members to file financial disclosure forms by Sept. 1 to avoid fines and said the ethics commission may follow up with phone reminders. Mr. Dodd, Mr. Mathias and others praised staff and described visits to local campuses; Mr. Mathias said a new restaurant owner told him the district’s schools were a reason they chose Leesburg for their business.

The superintendent noted upcoming meetings and trainings: a Sept. 3 workshop at 9:30 a.m. to present the five-year capital plan and an update on Eustis Elementary School; Guardian training sessions were also mentioned. She gave a shout-out to Eustis Police Department, Mayor Hawkins and Chief Capri for increased patrols to address unsafe parking and walking behaviors around Eustis Middle School.

No formal board action was required for the recognitions, donations or the scheduling announcements. Board members closed the meeting by thanking the congressman and staff and adjourning.