Lake Ridge New Tech Schools board approves finance and personnel items, hears construction update before school start

The Lake Ridge New Tech Schools board at its Aug. 11 regular meeting approved routine finance and personnel items and heard updates on facilities and opening-day preparations.

The board approved accounts payable vouchers and the Aug. 1 payroll, accepted the Old National Athletic Complex donation fund report and the Old National self-insurance fund report, and approved the July 28, 2025 minutes. Motions were made and seconded for each consent item and the board chair announced the motions carried with four yays and zero nays.

Superintendent Dr. Kremens outlined five district goals: continuous academic growth, safety, equity, improved communication and stronger finances, and recommended approval of the professional development items presented. "Goal number one, academics. All learners will continuously demonstrate academic growth," Dr. Kremens said, listing the goals the board will prioritize this year.

The board also approved personnel items, including resignations and employment actions, by voice vote.

On facilities, board member Mr. Wilkerson provided a construction update: "The gym floor has been installed. It is being sanded this week, followed by painting. The upper railings are being installed, and the auditorium panels and lighting are arriving; the stage is to be finished next week," he said. Mr. Wilkerson reminded the community that the first day of school is Wednesday and urged caution at bus stops; he said the district requested additional patrol units from the sheriff's department for the middle and elementary schools.

Officials said new-employee orientation went well and that the district expects to release embargoed test scores around mid-September and share school improvement plans with the community before submitting them to the department of education in early October. The meeting ended after brief closing remarks and an adjournment vote.