Lakeland to discuss financial emergency Wednesday

Trustees of Lakeland Joint School District's board will discuss steps for declaring a financial emergency during a regular meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday in the Lakeland Middle School gym, 15601 N. State Highway 41, Rathdrum.

The district's attorney, Megan O'Dowd, will walk the board through the declaration process and answer any questions trustees may have, according to the meeting agenda.

"The State Department of Education does not have a specific process to declare a financial emergency," reads the agenda item, prepared by Lakeland Superintendent Lisa Arnold.

The summary states the department has indicated the district should wait to submit the declaration of financial emergency until the fiscal year 2026 budget has been prepared. As the budget has not yet gone through the legislative process, it is anticipated the emergency declaration will be completed near the end of April.

A financial update will be shared. The meeting will also serve as the annual reorganization of the board, with nominations and voting for board chair and vice chair. A district treasurer will be appointed, as well as a clerk, temporary clerk and custodian of records.

Info: sd272.org