Lakeland board votes to end interlocal agreement with Arlington Community Schools in 2026

The Lakeland School System Board of Education approved Resolution LSS 2025-0701 directing the superintendent to terminate the interlocal agreement with Arlington Community Schools on the first day of the 2026–27 school year, specified in the resolution as Aug. 6, 2026.

"Arlington Community Schools have been tremendous partners, and Lakeland students have been, I believe, very, very fortunate, to have the opportunity to attend Arlington High School during that time," Superintendent Dr. W. Edward Horrell III said as he explained the board's intent. He told the board the district can unilaterally terminate the agreement and that the resolution authorizes him to notify Arlington Community Schools of the termination date.

Dr. Horrell said the interlocal agreement will remain in effect during the 2025–26 school year and will continue to guarantee seating for Lakeland students at Arlington High School through that year. "For the following year, 26–27, that guarantee would no longer be in place," he told the board; Lakeland students wishing to attend Arlington High School in 2026–27 would have to follow the procedures Arlington Community Schools establishes at that time.

Board Vice Chair Jeremy Burnett publicly thanked Arlington Community Schools for the partnership. The superintendent also said district officials, including Mr. Plumlee, had been in contact with Arlington's counsel and with Arlington Superintendent Dr. Clark to provide advance notice.

The resolution was posted on the meeting agenda and passed by voice vote; no roll-call tally was recorded in the public transcript.