Gagliardi Appointed First Female Schools Super in Lakeland
The Lakeland Board of Education last week appointed Dr. Karen Gagliardi as Interim Superintendent of Schools through the end of the current school year, making her the first female superintendent in the history of the district.
Gagliardi, who was voted in 7-1 at an October 7 work session, replaces Dr. Brendan Lyons, who abruptly resigned September 30 after only 14 months in the position.
Board President Adam Kaufman stated the board has “every confidence that Dr. Gagliardi will thrive in this leadership role and continue the standards of excellence that Lakeland Central School District is known for.”
Gagliardi has worked in the district since 2003, serving as the principal of Thomas Jefferson Elementary School for 15 years before entering into her role as Assistant Superintendent for Instruction in 2019.
After the appointment, Gagliardi expressed her gratitude to the board, saying, “Lakeland is my home. It’s where I raised my children, by choice. I am dedicated to cultivating unity in our community and I mean our community. I will do my very best to proudly serve our district and continue to work in partnership, true partnership, for all of the children of Lakeland.”
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