Newly appointed Superintendent Chad Farnsworth shared his vision for the future of Lake County Schools and outlined a 100-day plan designed to strengthen relationships, streamline processes and create a roadmap for continued success.

The presentation, titled “Building Our Next Chapter Together,” serves as the foundation for Farnsworth’s leadership approach as he prepares to guide the A-rated district into its next chapter. In sharing the presentation with the School Board at its Aug. 31 workshop, Farnsworth talked about the tremendous progress the district has made over the past decade and said that he is honored to continue that momentum. He expressed a commitment to listen, learn, and work alongside students, employees, families, and community partners to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed.

“My leadership philosophy is simple,” he says. “What’s best for kids is at the foundation of every major decision that I make. I’m a front-facing leader, and I’m prepared and equipped with the skills and experience to navigate difficult circumstances and situations. My responsibility is to reduce and eliminate distractions that might shift the focus off of our core mission, which is student learning and enhancing that area.”

Farnsworth will assume the role of superintendent in December or January, when Superintendent Diane Kornegay will become superintendent emeritus. She has announced plans to retire in May. His 100-day plan focuses on engaging stakeholders across the district, evaluating opportunities and challenges, celebrating the strengths of Lake County Schools, and identifying strategic priorities that will shape the district’s future.

Starting in January, Farnsworth plans to meet with students, teachers, support staff, principals, parents, business leaders, elected officials and community organizations. Those conversations will help inform long-term goals and ensure that future decisions reflect the needs and expectations of the communities served by Lake County Schools.

In March, the focus will broaden to include a deep dive into data and discovery. He will continue to analyze academic performance, financial records, and operational data across all schools and departments. He wants to streamline processes, eliminate inefficiencies, and reduce costs while protecting the quality of instruction, services to students and employee support.

Then, in May, work will begin on drafting a preliminary strategic plan with strategies and action steps to guide the district through the year 2030.

Farnsworth is a lifelong Floridian with 22 years of experience in public education. He started his career as a classroom teacher and coach. He held roles of increasing responsibility, including superintendent of Bradford County Schools, before joining Lake County’s team. Here, he started as Chief of Staff, working closely with Human Resources and Employee Relations. His next role as Assistant Superintendent added athletics and food service to his areas of oversight. Most recently, he was named Deputy Superintendent, which added Operations, including growth planning, facilities, maintenance, grounds, transportation, and more, to his list of responsibilities.

After a brief search, the School Board unanimously selected him for the role of Superintendent on August 19. Board members said they were looking for stability, not a change agent, and they believed Farnsworth could reliably continue the district’s positive momentum.

Lake County Schools enters this leadership transition from a position of strength. The district earned its first consecutive A ratings from the Florida Department of Education in 2025 and 2026. Graduation rates for district-operated schools have climbed to a record 96 percent. At the same time, students continue to benefit from expanded opportunities in Career and Technical Education, college dual enrollment, the International Baccalaureate program, the Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) program and the arts.

“Consistency and continuity are important,” Farnsworth said at the workshop. “That’s been the key to our success in this district. I’m excited to continue down the path of success that we are on. I look forward to carrying our mission forward with a high level of integrity and passion.”

Photos: Provided by Lake County Schools