Board approves name 'Lakeland Middle Preparatory School' for grades 5–8 campus

The Lakeland School System board voted to name the new school serving grades 5 through 8 on the Lakeland Preparatory School campus "Lakeland Middle Preparatory School," adopting an amended resolution that preserves the "Preparatory" element in the campus name.

Board members discussed two name amendments during the February meeting. A proposal to amend the posted resolution to read "Lakeland Middle School" failed on a voice vote. Board members who opposed that amendment said they preferred to retain continuity with the "Preparatory" brand used across the campus. A subsequent amendment to name the school "Lakeland Middle Preparatory School" carried on a voice vote, and the board then approved the resolution as amended.

During discussion, board members cited branding and continuity considerations — supporters argued the preparatory name ties both schools together on one campus and carries campus history; opponents of the first amendment said they wanted a name that clearly distinguished the middle grades. No formal roll‑call vote tally was recorded in the posted minutes for the amendment or final resolution; the board approved the amended resolution by voice vote and declared that the name will be in effect beginning in the 2627 school year.

The resolution was introduced during the discussion/action portion of the meeting after the superintendent summarized district business. The board also noted it had solicited parent feedback on names before the vote and that the two schools will share a campus address while operating as distinct schools.

Next steps identified by board staff include implementing the operational transition associated with a split campus (schedules, administrative assignments and any subsequent branding work). The board and staff noted that separate branding work would proceed after the naming decision and could be brought back to the board in the future if a distinct logo or mark is developed.