While teachers, principals and other employees at individual schools often donate holiday items to students in need on their campuses, this effort gave employees outside of the schools an opportunity to give to Lake County children as well.

The donations were collected as part of the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree project. Usually, the Salvation Army hangs paper angel ornaments on a tree and donors choose one. Each ornament includes a child’s first name, age, clothing sizes and a few fun items from their wish list. Based on that information, donors select gift items that are presented to the children anonymously.

This year, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the angel tree was shared virtually.

Some donations came from district departments including Risk Management, Human Resources and Procurement. Others came from individual employees, including superintendent Diane Kornegay.

“The employees in this district, whether they work directly with students or not, truly care about the children we serve,” Kornegay said. “It was heartwarming to watch the excitement grow as more and more gifts came in. We experienced as much joy from giving as we hope the children will get from receiving.”

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A 4.0 rating means “Meets Expectation” and a 5.0 rating means “Exceeds Expectation.”

One of her highest ratings was received in the area of Board Governance & Policy, for making a “considerable effort to have a positive working relationship with the board, treating all board members fairly and respectfully, and attempt[ing] to resolve any conflicts with board members.” Each board member rated her 5.0 in this area.

“The superintendent and her staff maintain an extremely positive working relationship with board members,” board member Marc Dodd wrote in his evaluation. “They are easily accessible and quick to provide board members with requested information.”

She also received a perfect 5.0 rating in the area of Communication & Community Relations, specifically for using “effective public information strategies to communicate and promote a positive image of the district with families, community, the media, state and local officials,” as the standard reads.

“The Superintendent is visible throughout the county, attending numerous meetings and events as the representative of Lake County Schools,” wrote board member Bill Mathias. “The relationship she has built with members of the local Commercial Contractors Association has had a direct impact on the success of the Construction Academy at LHS (Leesburg High School). She also has a positive relationship with members of our legislative delegation, which has resulted in two education appropriations and needed changes to state statutes.”

Kornegay’s multi-year contract with the district provides for a base salary of $195,000 per year as well as the continuation of additional compensation based on specific performance objectives that are subject to an annual review. This practice is common in districts with an appointed superintendent.

As the district continues to seek cost-cutting measures and lobby the Legislature for additional non-restricted funding to help cover pay increases for teachers and staff, retired teacher Susan Morgan of Leesburg asked the board at the meeting whether Kornegay could forgo the compensation package in her contract. Board members on Monday spoke against that idea.

“We have seen the effort and time she put in to make the district great,” Mathias said. “She has earned it.”

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