LCSD Superintendent Update: August
Welcome to the 2026-27 school year! I hope that you and your students have had a wonderful first two weeks. We appreciate your patience as we have opened our reconfigured schools. The energy at the “new” LCES and LCHS has been so positive, and you are all a huge part of this. Thank you so much!
Panther Spotlight
We are kicking off the school year by highlighting our 5th grade students. This year at LCES, 5th graders are paired with Kindergarten students as “buddies.” Everyone met their buddy this week, and 5th graders read books to their new, younger friends. It was a huge success and we are so proud of the leadership 5th grade is showing at LCES! Watch for the first House Party of the year, coming this Thursday. Which House will your student be in?!
August Headlines (Scroll to learn more)
- Join the District Accountability Committee! Only 5 meetings per year and dinner provided! Sign up now
- Our Strategic Plan work is underway!
District Accountability Committee (DAC) Application Open!
A DAC is a state required committee created by each local school board with the purpose of providing recommendations and advice to the school board on topics set by state statute as well as by the local board. Parents, community members, teachers, staff and administrators can all be a part of the DAC.
DAC Meeting Schedule 2026-27
Meetings are 5:30-7:30pm and dinner is provided!
Wednesday, September 2nd, 2026
Wednesday, October 7th, 2026
Wednesday, January 13th, 2027
Wednesday, March 3rd, 2027
Wednesday, May 5th, 2027
Please join us! Sign up now
Strategic Plan Updates
As we settle into another wonderful school year, I want to take a moment to thank you for your partnership and for the trust you place in our schools each day. Together, we are creating learning environments where every student can grow, discover their strengths, and prepare for a bright future.
This year also marks an exciting milestone for our district as we begin implementing our new 2026–2031 Strategic Plan.
This plan reflects the voices of our students, families, staff, community members, and Board of Education. Together, we identified what matters most for our children and developed a shared vision that will guide our work over the next five years.
At its heart, our Strategic Plan is about ensuring every student feels a sense of belonging, is challenged to achieve their best, and is prepared for success in whatever path they choose after graduation. Our mission remains clear: to create safe and inclusive learning environments where students develop the knowledge, skills, and character to thrive in a changing world.
Our work will focus on three strategic directions:
Pursuing Educational Excellence by strengthening instruction and creating consistent, high-quality learning experiences for every student.
Enhancing Student Experience by expanding opportunities, building meaningful connections, and helping students discover their interests and strengths.
Expanding Family and Community Collaboration because we know students are most successful when schools, families, and our community work together.
While this Strategic Plan provides a roadmap for the future, it also celebrates the incredible work already happening across our schools. Every day, our teachers and staff inspire curiosity, build relationships, encourage perseverance, and help students discover what they are capable of achieving. This plan helps us build on those strengths with a shared focus and purpose.
Over the coming months, we’ll share stories of students, staff, and schools that bring the Strategic Plan to life. We’ll also provide regular updates on our progress and continue seeking your feedback as we move forward together.
Thank you for being an essential part of the Lake County School District community. Your partnership, encouragement, and support make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students.
We look forward to all that we’ll accomplish together as we continue our commitment to Learning Above and Beyond.
See you soon!
Kate
Kate Bartlett, LCSD Superintendent
kcbartlett@lakecountyschools.net
