LAKELAND: Morale in the district is down

As residents of Rathdrum for nearly 16 years, we want to thank the Lakeland School District administration and its wonderful teachers and staff for providing our 13 grandchildren with an excellent education. Twelve of them have attended Lakeland schools: John Brown, Lakeland Middle School, Lakeland High School, and North Idaho STEM. Each child has come with their own personalities, abilities, and needs. Each one of them has been exposed to great teachers, excellent curriculum, academic standards and athletic opportunities. The oldest 6 have graduated with honors and are successful in various careers around the country. One is graduating this year with a 4.0 GPA. My husband, a retired teacher, substitutes at Lakeland Schools. He has seen firsthand the safe, wonderful educational environment our kids have there. The professionalism and dedication of the teachers, administrators and support staff is obvious. Lakeland’s amazing graduation rates are a testament to quality.  

Recently, we have noticed a change happening in the district. Teacher morale is down. Levies aren’t being passed by our voters. Teachers are feeling a lack of support by some members of the school board. Policies which interfere in academic freedom or make tasks more inefficient and difficult for staff are contributing factors to low morale. Good teachers have resigned recently and some are looking elsewhere. We implore the Lakeland School Board to address the concerns of teachers and members of the community. Why break down a district that has been a true success? My 13 grandchildren are proof!     

DEBRA SABATO 

Rathdrum