Lake Wales Charter Schools Board of Trustees voted to offer the superintendent position to Julie Conrad Peters and authorized the chair and the board attorney to begin contract negotiations.

Chairman Gill opened the meeting by praising the three finalists, saying, “All 3 of our finalists were unbelievable candidates.” The board described a multi-step hiring process that included a comprehensive advertisement/search phase completed in April 2025 and interviews in May 2025.

During the regular meeting, Trustee Rafael moved to “approve Julie Conrad Peters for the position of superintendent and to allow the chair and the board attorney to begin contract negotiations.” Trustee Andy seconded the motion. The clerk conducted a roll call in which Trustees Marvin, Hutto, Blair and Johnson were recorded as voting yes; the motion was announced as carrying unanimously. Chairman Gill said contract negotiations would be handled by the chair and board attorney and that any tentative agreement would return to the board for final approval.

Members said they judged all three finalists to be highly qualified and stressed a desire for a unanimous, consensus decision. An absent trustee, Michael Flood, submitted a written comment that was read aloud; Flood praised each candidate and said Dr. Shuler was “fresh, charismatic, and thoughtful” while also noting strengths he observed in Julie Conrad Peters and Dr. Bush during his interviews. Several trustees and at least some teachers who attended meet-and-greet events provided input that trustees said influenced their assessments.

The board said the selection is contingent on “satisfactory completion of all pre-employment processes as set forth by the Lake Wales Charter Schools and Florida statute,” including background checks that must meet the district’s employment criteria. The chair said a start date and compensation package will be negotiated in the contract, and that a contract brought back to the board for final approval is the next formal step. The board scheduled its next meeting for June 16, 2025 and indicated contract approval would be on that agenda if negotiations are completed.

Trustees and staff repeatedly characterized the process as open and transparent, and several trustees said the interviews and teacher feedback left them confident in the district’s choice. The board’s action authorizes negotiations only; the hire is not final until pre-employment requirements and a board vote on the finalized contract are complete.