The Lake County School Board discussed whether to extend Superintendent Dr. Burton’s contract on Jan. 13, 2025, and a motion to extend was made and seconded, but the meeting transcript does not record a completed roll-call outcome.

The proposal under discussion was an extension beginning in 2026 for up to four years. Board member John made the motion to extend and Miss Diane seconded, and the board proceeded to a roll-call sequence that included both affirmative and negative responses from members. Several board members spoke at length about Burton’s performance, praising improvements and district initiatives while also raising concerns connected to historical incidents involving staff conduct.

The exchange included direct remarks from Dr. Burton, who addressed the board and invited members to call or meet with him about any concerns. Burton reminded the board that, under the terms of the current contract, the district has until February 2026 to decide whether to renew or extend the contract.

Board members who spoke publicly during the discussion said they valued the superintendent’s district leadership and noted improvements in programming and instruction. Other members said they could not vote to extend because of unresolved questions about staff and leadership conduct in prior years; one member explicitly said they would not vote yes despite acknowledging positive work. Several members pressed for further discussion and meetings with Burton before a final decision.

Because the transcript shows the motion, the second and portions of a roll call but does not include a definitive “motion carried” or complete tally, the board’s final action on the extension is not recorded in the available record. Dr. Burton told the board the timeline allows the board to return to the issue before the February 2026 deadline.

The discussion was recorded as part of the regular meeting; Dr. Burton reiterated his openness to meet with board members and emphasized his focus on district work.

Notes: The transcript indicates a formal motion to extend the superintendent’s contract and that a roll-call sequence began, but the final tally and formal outcome were not available in the provided transcript.