Longtime Lakeland teacher calls out school board in resignation letter

After 18 years of service, Allison Knoll, a two-time Teacher of the Year, resigned from Lakeland Joint School District during the March 19 school board meeting, delivering a critique of the district's management and educational approach. 

"My experiences inside the four walls of my classroom have been amazing," Knoll told the board. "It's everything outside of that that has become the problem." 

In her resignation letter, Knoll highlighted her significant contributions to the school, including organizing fundraisers that generated over $120,000 for the community, launching the broadcast journalism program and developing the drama department. However, she expressed frustration with what she described as a deeply problematic administrative culture. 

"There is such a toxic environment of distrust," Knoll said. "Every decision we make is questioned and scrutinized." She cited increasingly restrictive policies that require committee approval for everything from fundraisers to classroom materials, even preventing students from reading the Coeur d’Alene Press. 

The final straw came after the November supplemental levy failure and what Knoll perceived as dismissive attitudes toward teachers. She recalled board comments suggesting that teachers "should just be happy they have jobs" and should perform additional duties like emptying trash and acting as crossing guards. 

"What a slap in the face!" Knoll said. "Those are the perfect comments if your goal is to undervalue the work teachers do and erode any remaining trust between us." 

Students and colleagues expressed appreciation for Knoll's dedication.  

Leann Lohf, Junior Class president, said, "She cares a lot about her students, and that's not something every teacher does." 

Math teacher Denise Novak described Knoll as "an integral part of the Lakeland community, leaving a lasting mark on our school and beyond." 

When contacted, School Board Chair Michelle Thompson responded. 

"While I do not speak for the entire board, as a Trustee, I respectfully accept Ms. Knoll's decision to resign from her position with the Lakeland Joint School District, and I wish Ms. Knoll the best in her future endeavors," she said via email.

Knoll, who has taught for 15 years, said she feels compelled to speak for educators who cannot speak for themselves.  

"I get to be the voice and hopefully effect some change because change needs to happen," she said. 

Knoll said she has considered an education position elsewhere outside the district, but she will most likely be done with education after she resigns at the end of the school year. 

    Lakeland High School drama teacher Allison Knoll, second from right, is seen Nov. 17, 2024 with cast members of the school's production of "The Little Mermaid." From left: Jordin Cysewski, Vaylin Perry, Kambree Marreel, Sydney McDonald, Knoll and Jenna Olson.