Lakeland board approves split of Lakeland Preparatory into separate middle and high schools

The Lakeland School System Board of Education voted to approve Resolution 2025-12-01 authorizing the administrative split of Lakeland Preparatory School into separate middle and high schools, the board announced at its December meeting.

Superintendent Doctor Horrell read the resolution into the record, saying it “directs the superintendent to take any and all steps necessary to formally establish a separate middle school to serve students in grades 5 through 8 on the campus of Lakeland Preparatory School beginning in the 2026–27 school year.” The motion to place the resolution on the floor was made by Chair Laura Harrison and seconded by Vice Chair Jeremy Burnett; the measure passed by voice vote.

Board discussion emphasized continuity for students and staff. Horrell said the change is intended to “maximize the opportunities, supports, and academic growth for all students” by creating two administrative teams — one focused on middle grades and one on high school — while keeping many day-to-day operations, such as bus routes and start times, unchanged. He told the board that some staff could serve both schools where practical and that school-support organizations (SSOs) will have discretion to organize as they see fit.

Horrell also clarified personnel plans tied to the split. He said Corey Martin, who has led the building through its growth, was given the opportunity to choose and indicated she would continue as the middle-school principal under the new configuration. Horrell said the district will post for a high-school principal and will return recommendations — including a proposed name for the middle school — to the board.

The resolution directs the superintendent to bring back additional actions that will require board approval, such as naming and any adjustments that would need formal board action. The board set the effective date as July 2026 for the 2026–27 school year.