TAVARES – Lake County School Board members gave Superintendent Diane Kornegay high marks in her most recent evaluation, which they approved at their June 24 meeting.
She earned a perfect score on her annual student performance objectives, which focused on student performance indicators, graduation rates, acceleration rates, student support services and teacher retention.
“Mrs. Kornegay should be commended on her commitment to the district,” School Board Chairman Mollie Cunningham wrote in the evaluation. “Her dedication is evidenced by the work she has done and the positive way the district is running.”
Vice Chairman Tyler Brandeburg agreed. “The Superintendent does a wonderful job setting expectations and ensuring that her team leads by example,” he wrote. “I have full faith in her vision and ability to [continue] executing it for the betterment of our students, teachers, staff and community.”
Kornegay also earned a near perfect score (370 out of 375, or 98.7%) on criteria based on professional practices derived in part from the Florida Leadership Standards. Those standards are:
Standard 1: Vision, Culture & Instructional Leadership
Standard 2: Operations, Resource and Personnel Management
Standard 3: Board Governance & Policy
Standard 4: Communication & Community Relations
Standard 5: Ethical Leadership
“The district’s fund balance remains healthy and the work to reduce debt and increase the district’s credit rating is exceptional,” board member Bill Mathias said. S&P Global Ratings raised its long-term rating on the district from “A” to “A+” earlier this year.
The superintendent was unanimously praised for her work with the board. “This particular board is one that works very well together,” board member Marc Dodd said. “The superintendent’s leadership is critical to that dynamic. She promotes such a positive climate and communicates effectively with each board member. She ensures our questions are answered. She leverages us as a sounding board and as collaborative brainstormers to solve problems.”
As in previous years, Kornegay received the highest possible rating for her communication with stakeholders. “The superintendent continues to stay well connected within the community to ensure support for LCS and the board and that there is representation that is accurate and reflective of the district’s work,” board member Dr. Stephanie Luke wrote. “She is intentional about communication efforts to ensure trust is established and is very responsive when there are issues, regardless of how many students [are impacted].”
Brandeburg called her the district’s biggest cheerleader. “She never misses an opportunity to showcase the quality work of the district to any group interested in hearing her speak,” he wrote. “She is an excellent listener and follows through on what she says she is going to do.”