Wallace trades finance hats

COEUR d’ALENE — There are no more split loyalties for Brian Wallace.

Wallace is stepping down as the director of finance and operations at the Coeur d’Alene School District, taking a similar position with Lakeland School District.

Word of Wallace’s departure — he started in 2015 — immediately follows Superintendent Matt Handelman’s announcement Friday that he’s leaving for a job in Washington.

On July 1, Wallace will begin his tenure as chief financial officer for the Lakeland Joint School District in Rathdrum.

“We are thrilled to have Brian in Lakeland,” said Lisa Sexton, assistant superintendent. “He has a vision that matches where Becky (Superintendent Becky Meyer) and I want to take the district.”

Wallace told The Press Monday accepting the new position was a personal decision, adding he lives in Rathdrum and his children attend Lakeland District schools.

“The move to Lakeland will help me juggle professional responsibilities and family,” Wallace added.

For Sexton, the fact Wallace has children attending schools in the Lakeland School District was one more reason to make the hire.

“He has a very personal interest in making sure our district is financially solid and sound,” Sexton said.

Wallace’s salary with the Coeur d’Alene School District is $108,171. Under a 240-day contract with the Lakeland School District, Wallace will be paid $105,000.

“This is a huge loss to our district,” Handelman said. “He has been an amazing addition to the team as a person and professional.”

Wallace, who has served on the Lakeland Joint School District Board of Trustees for eight years, officially resigned Monday from his school board seat. Wallace was positioned to begin another trustee term on July 1. He sought re-election and would have run unopposed on the ballot. Wallace’s replacement, who will be appointed by the board following an application and interview process, will complete his term, which ends in 2021.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank you and the other board members personally for your leadership, service to our community, and the knowledge and experience I have gained the past eight years,” Wallace wrote in his letter of resignation to the Lakeland board.

Coeur d’Alene School District will now have to fill two of its top administrative positions. Board of Trustees Chair Casey Morrisroe told The Press Monday the board learned of Wallace’s resignation on April 12, and has been advertising for the position since that date.

“The board and administration hope to have that position filled in early June to allow the new director some overlap with Mr. Wallace,” Morrisroe added.

Morrisroe also said trustees will meet soon to discuss the process of selecting Handelman’s replacement.

“We will be sure to communicate our strategy and any opportunities for public participation as the process evolves,” he said. “As always, we will continue our focus on the mission of this district and serving its great students, staff and patrons.”