New Year, New Superintendent!

LCN REPORT | LAKE COUNTY

WHAT HAPPENED

The Lake County School Board has unanimously selected Deputy Superintendent Chad Farnsworth to become the next superintendent of Lake County Schools.

THE DETAILS

Farnsworth will succeed Diane Kornegay, who announced in July that she plans to retire at the end of the 2026-27 school year. The School Board launched its search for Kornegay's successor on July 31 before selecting Farnsworth on August 19. Farnsworth's current position as deputy superintendent means the district's next leader will come from within Lake County Schools rather than from an outside candidate.

WHY IT MATTERS

The superintendent oversees the direction and day-to-day administration of Lake County's public school system. Choosing an existing district leader could provide greater continuity as Lake County Schools transitions from Kornegay's administration to its next superintendent.

WHAT RESIDENTS SHOULD KNOW

Kornegay is not leaving immediately. Her announced retirement is scheduled for the end of the current 2026-27 school year. That gives the district time to prepare for the leadership transition rather than making an immediate change during the school year.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

Farnsworth will present his vision and priorities for Lake County Schools at an August 31 workshop. Kornegay is expected to transition to a superintendent emeritus role in December or January, when Farnsworth will step into the superintendent position.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Lake County Schools has already chosen its next leader. Chad Farnsworth will move from deputy superintendent to superintendent, keeping the district's next administration under a leader already familiar with its schools and operations.