Lake County Schools announced on Wednesday that Michael Randolph, Principal of Leesburg High School, will be stepping down from his role after seven years of service to take on a new position within the Lake County School District. The transition follows recent legal troubles involving Randolph, who was arrested for driving under the influence on Oct. 26.

In a letter sent to parents and guardians, Superintendent Diane Kornegay acknowledged the leadership change while highlighting Randolph’s contributions during his tenure. “We are grateful for his unwavering commitment to our students and the positive impact he has made during his time here,” Kornegay said.

The announcement comes just weeks after Randolph was arrested by the Clermont Police Department. According to the arrest affidavit, officers initiated a traffic stop when Randolph failed to maintain his lane and was reportedly traveling 20 mph over the speed limit. Officers noted that Randolph struggled to provide documents and locate his phone, and discovered open containers of alcohol in the vehicle. He was charged with a second-degree misdemeanor for driving under the influence and has pled not guilty. Randolph was released from the Lake County Jail after posting a $1,000 bond.

The District previously issued a statement addressing the incident, saying, “The District was recently informed of the arrest of Leesburg High School Principal Michael Randolph for driving under the influence. Mr. Randolph has pled not guilty to the charges. The incident did not occur during a school activity or involve students or employees. The District takes these charges seriously and holds all of its leaders to high standards of personal conduct.”

Michael Randolph has been a prominent figure in Lake County’s educational community. He began his tenure as principal of Leesburg High School in 2017, where he was instrumental in elevating the school’s graduation rate from 67% to approximately 88.9% over seven years, surpassing the state average. In recognition of his leadership, Randolph was named Lake County Schools’ Principal of the Year in 2021.

While Randolph’s legal case is pending, with his next court date scheduled for Dec. 18, he will be transitioning into a new role, allowing him to continue contributing to Lake County Schools in a different capacity. The move is seen as an effort to minimize disruption at Leesburg High School while providing continuity of leadership.

To fill the vacancy, the District has appointed Ms. Andrea Pyatt as the new Principal of Leesburg High School, effective Dec. 2. Ms. Pyatt brings a wealth of experience, having served as a teacher at Leesburg High School, Assistant Principal at Umatilla High School, and most recently, Principal at Umatilla Middle School. Superintendent Kornegay expressed confidence in Pyatt’s ability to lead, stating, “Ms. Pyatt is passionate about fostering a positive learning environment and is eager to build strong relationships with the Leesburg High community.”

In preparation for her new role, Ms. Pyatt will spend the next two weeks meeting with staff, students, parents, and community members to ensure a smooth transition. “She believes in open communication and looks forward to listening to the community’s ideas and concerns to develop a comprehensive plan for school improvement,” Kornegay added.

The District has emphasized its commitment to maintaining high standards of leadership and supporting Leesburg High School through this period of change.

“Thank you for your support and partnership as we navigate this transition together,” Kornegay says. “We are confident that with Ms. Pyatt at the helm, LHS will continue to thrive and provide a great education for every student.”