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Lake County Schools highlights record graduation rate and program growth
Summary
District leaders presented a year-in-review showing a second consecutive A rating, a 96% graduation rate, growth in acceleration and career-technical partnerships, and announced $3.8 million for Lake Technical College programming tied to Lincoln Park.
Lake County Schools used its July 7 workshop to highlight student achievement and new career-technical investments after earning an A rating from the state for the second straight year.
A district presentation and accompanying video noted a 96% graduation rate in January 2026 for district-operated schools, surpassing the statewide rate of 92%. Assistant Superintendent Feltner (presenter) told the board that multiple indicators improved year over year: 75 students earned districtwide industry-recognized ACE diplomas, and 121 students graduated with both a high-school diploma and an associate degree through district partnerships with Lake Sumter State College.
Feltner said 11 of 12 reporting categories for school and district letter grades were green or maintained, though he flagged "learning gains" in the lowest 25% in math as an area for next-year focus. "That should be a focus for us next year," he told the board, describing steps to track early math interventions and pathways.
The superintendent later told the board that Lake Technical College received $3,800,000 in the current budget to finish Lincoln Park programming and build out an expanded South Campus, and that initial programs—HVAC, electricity, phlebotomy and paramedic training—filled quickly once enrollment opened. The district said the new South Campus adjacent to Lincoln Park will open in August 2026.
Board members praised the work of teachers and staff, highlighted specific school gains (for example, Carver Middle becoming a B and Eustis High's acceleration improvements), and noted the district's teacher retention rate of 84% in 2025.
District leaders said the state raising thresholds to keep the bar moving means continued work next year but expressed confidence in the district's collaborative approach to data and interventions.
