Budget cuts, policy changes on agenda at Lakeland meetings this week
RATHDRUM — A list of potential budget cut considerations and levy election scenarios is expected to be presented to the Lakeland School Board at 6 p.m. tonight in the Lakeland High School commons.
The special work meeting follows discussions held at the Dec. 9 meeting, during which Superintendent Lisa Arnold spoke with trustees about potentially cutting $9.52 million from the district's budget if another levy election is not held or does not garner the required voter approval to pass.
Tonight, Arnold and the board are expected to further explore those options, which may include transitioning to a four-day school week, repurposing an elementary school or modifying workday schedules.
"We have been working pretty much nonstop since the levy election trying to figure out the recommendations we want to make to the board for consideration as we try to figure out how to reduce our budget," Arnold said to the board during the Dec. 9 meeting.
Lakeland High is at 7006 W. Highway 53, Rathdrum.
The Lakeland School District Policy Committee will meet from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Lakeland District Office, 15506 N. Washington St., Rathdrum.
The first item on the agenda is the district's reduction in force policy. According to the current policy, last revised Jan. 28, 2021, trustees have the sole authority to determine the appropriate number of certificated employees and to eliminate certified staff positions consistent with the provisions of Idaho State law. A reduction of certified employees may occur as a result of but not be limited to: Decreases in student enrollment; changes in curriculum or programs; staffing limitations; or negative changes in the financial conditions of the district.
The current reduction in force procedure policy outlines how the board would go about reducing staff members with a focus on what is best for students. Voluntary retirements, voluntary resignations, transfers and voluntary leaves of absence will be given due consideration by trustees.
If more of a reduction in force is needed, a document that includes such scoring categories as "demonstrating knowledge of content and pedagogy," "managing classroom behaviors," "demonstrating knowledge of resources," extra duties, extracurricular activities and years of service in the district will be used to score employees.
Other items on Thursday's policy committee agenda include the district's search and seizure policy; extracurricular activities drug testing survey results; attendance; evaluation of certified personnel; and the acquisition, use and disposal of school property.
Info: sd272.org