Lake County Schools Superintendent Diane Kornegay has announced she will retire at the end of the 2026-27 school year, concluding more than 35 years in public education.

“After more than 35 years of serving students, educators, and families, I have decided to retire at the end of this upcoming school year,” Kornegay wrote. “Deciding to retire has been one of the most difficult decisions of my career. While I know this is the right time for me personally, it is bittersweet to step away from a profession and a community that mean so much to me.”

Kornegay was appointed superintendent of Lake County Schools in 2017 after serving in several leadership positions with Clay County Schools, including deputy superintendent, assistant superintendent for instruction, director of school improvement and teaching training, and school principal.

During her tenure, the district reached several milestones. Lake County Schools earned consecutive “A” grades from the Florida Department of Education in 2025 and 2026, marking the first back-to-back A ratings in district history.

The district also expanded educational opportunities by implementing alternative education programs and launching a high school technical education program that offers workforce dual enrollment through a partnership with Lake Technical College. Career and Technical Education programs were expanded to every middle and high school, while all district high schools now offer accelerated diploma pathways, including AICE, Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs.

Student achievement also improved under Kornegay’s leadership. When she became superintendent, the district’s graduation rate stood at 77.8 percent. She set a goal of reaching at least 90 percent. Today, the graduation rate for district-operated schools has climbed to 96 percent, the highest recorded in district history.

Her leadership was recognized statewide in December 2025 when she was named Florida’s 2026 Superintendent of the Year by the Florida Association of District School Superintendents.

Kornegay has also been active in the Lake County community beyond the classroom. In 2019, she was named the Mirror Ball winner during the Stepping Out For Education fundraiser. The event raised more than $25,000 in donations, which were matched dollar for dollar through the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations’ matching grant program to benefit Lake County Schools.

Reflecting on her time leading the district, Kornegay expressed gratitude for those she has served alongside.

“Serving as Superintendent of Lake County Schools has been the honor of a lifetime,” Kornegay wrote. “I have been blessed to work alongside exceptional teachers, dedicated staff, outstanding school leaders, supportive families, and committed community partners who have always put students first. I am especially grateful for the opportunity to serve with an extraordinary School Board that, through even the most challenging of times, has remained united by a shared vision, mutual respect, and an unwavering commitment to doing what is best for every student in Lake County.”

Kornegay said she will continue serving through the 2026-27 school year while working to ensure a smooth leadership transition.

“Effective May 28, 2027, I will retire with immense pride in all we have accomplished together and complete confidence in the bright future ahead for Lake County Schools,” she wrote. “With another school year still ahead, I remain fully committed to serving the students, employees, and community throughout the 2026-27 school year while ensuring a smooth leadership transition. Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving this incredible community. I will always cherish the relationships, the memories, and the remarkable work we have and will continue to accomplish together.”