The Lake Technical Center (Lake Tech) main campus is located in central Florida at 2001 Kurt Street, Eustis, Florida 32726, 352-589-2250, and was known for many years as Lake County Area Vocational Technical Center. Lake Tech’s extension campus, the Institute of Public Safety (IPS), is located at 1565 Lane Park Cutoff, Tavares, Florida 32778, 352-742-6463. Although not adjacent, the IPS firing and driving range is located in close proximity to IPS at 13000 Frankie’s Road, Tavares, Florida 32778. Lake Tech is a public, postsecondary educational institution as defined by Florida State Statute 1000.04(2).
In 1963 the Lake County School Board (LCSB) requested approval from the Florida Department of Education to build a vocational center. In the fall of 1965, state and federal construction funds were received under the Vocational Education Act of 1963. While waiting for a facility to be built, Cosmetology, Auto Mechanics and Business Education programs began in the fall of 1966 in Leesburg, Florida.
In July 1968 the main campus construction was completed on the present 37½-acre site. Construction for the IPS extension campus began in 1992 and was completed in 1994. IPS is located on two separate properties and includes state-of-the-art firing and driving ranges as well as classroom facilities for Firefighting, Law Enforcement and Corrections programs. Lake Tech’s campuses have grown to encompass 231,548 square feet.
Currently, Lake Tech offers 28 postsecondary certificate programs plus two apprentice programs. The Commercial Foods and Culinary Arts and Early Childhood Education apprenticeship programs are alternative methods of delivery for regular certificate programs.
Lake Tech services cities, towns and communities in Lake County including Tavares, Eustis, Mount Dora, Leesburg, Fruitland Park, Clermont, Minneola, Groveland, Mascotte, Lady Lake, Umatilla, Dona Vista, Montverde, Howey-in-the-Hills, Paisley, Sorrento, Mount Plymouth, Astatula, Altoona, Lake Jem, Astor, Yalaha and Okahumpka. Students from other areas of the state and nation, as well as international students, are also served.
Mission
Lake Technical Center’s mission is to meet the educational needs of the community by offering a variety of high quality career-technical training opportunities.
Governance
Lake Tech became a public charter school in July 2004 and is governed by its Charter Board under the sponsorship of the LCSB as authorized by Florida School Law 1002.34. In addition, Lake Tech relies on guidance from the School Advisory Committee and program advisory committees in order to provide industry-standard training that addresses the needs of business, industry and the community.
Lake Technical Center Charter Board
Joe Baxter, Retired Supervisor of Vocational-Technical, Adult and Community Education – Lake County Schools
Fred Cobb, Chief of Police – City of Eustis
Robert (Robbie) Cunningham, Jr., Owner – Trident Florida Trading Co. L.L.C., Trident Pontoons
Rev. Isaac B. Deas, II, Ed.D. – Hospice of Lake & Sumter, Inc.
Mickey G. Gauldin, P.E., Director, Eastern Division – Sumter Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SECO)
John Jolliff, Deputy Fire Chief of Lake County
Mary K. Perfumo, Vice President of Nursing/Chief Nursing Officer – Leesburg Regional Medical CenterPhilosophy
- We believe in education and work.
- We believe in careful assessment of abilities and interests so that all students, including those with special needs, may formulate realistic occupational goals.
- We believe in equal access to training programs and in providing comprehensive support services.
- We believe in providing an active learning environment that develops technical skills, academic skills and effective work habits.
- We believe in continuous program and curriculum revision based upon input from employers, advisory committee members, concerned citizens, students and school personnel.
- We believe in innovative teaching methods that prepare students to meet industry standards.
- We believe in lifelong learning, responsible citizenship and promoting individual self-worth to help our students become productive citizens in today’s global society.
Accreditation
Lake Tech is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education, 7840 Roswell Road, Building 300, Suite 325, Atlanta, Georgia, 30350, 800-917-2081 and by the Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation, 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia, 30033.
Various programs are certified by the following program-specific accrediting bodies: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, Florida State Board of Nursing, Florida State Board of Massage Therapy, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services of Florida Department of Health, Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission, Florida Fire Academy, American Culinary Federation and Florida State Board of Cosmetology.
All programs offered at Lake Tech are approved and regulated by the Florida Department of Education.