LAKELAND: Board should take meaningful action

As a Lakeland Schools employee, I have been deeply disappointed by the conduct of the Lakeland Joint School Board in recent meetings. While it is understandable to feel tension as decision deadlines approach, this frustration should never lead to unprofessional behavior. Unfortunately, meetings have devolved into blame-placing, unkind words, condescending tones and personal attacks, particularly on district staff. This is not only inappropriate, but also undermines the morale of educators and staff who work tirelessly to support our students. The meetings should focus on specific outcomes, to avoid continually rehashing problems. As is clear to anyone attending or watching the meetings, the board’s lack of specificity is hampering the district’s ability to take meaningful action. Without clear direction from the board (e.g., is it even their intention to re-run the levy?), district staff cannot be blamed for providing what the board claims is insufficient data.  

According to policies set by the Board, it is the Board’s responsibility to set policy and the district staff’s responsibility to construct a budget that will fulfill those policy wishes.  

I urge the School Board to adopt detailed agendas for each meeting, with clear points of discussion and assigned action items. These steps would help reduce frustration, restore a sense of purpose, and ensure our community can see progress being made.

The public deserves constructive dialogue, not divisive rhetoric. I hope the School Board will take these concerns seriously and work toward improving both the structure of their meetings and the tone of their discussions.

DAVID JONES

Spokane