Lakeland superintendent to retire at end of school year

Lakeland Joint School District Superintendent Lisa Arnold will retire after the close of the school year.

"It is with a heavy heart that I let you know that I am retiring effective June 30," Arnold said in a letter to staff Friday. "After much soul searching and conversation with my husband, I think it is best for someone else to take the lead in our district. I know change is hard, but this could be a really good change. I love this district and our staff, but it is time to pass the torch."

In a Tuesday phone call with The Press, Arnold said the job of the superintendent is huge and with it comes a lot of highs and lows. She said she was really hoping to retire at the end of next school year.

"Health is important. I have to be able to focus on mine,” she said. "I’m sad I'm leaving this district I've given so much of my life to. I care a lot about the people in it, which is why I stepped into the role I did.

"It's a great district filled with a lot of great people," she said. "I'm confident they’ll find someone who wants to continue the reputation Lakeland has. A reputation takes a lot of time to earn and doesn’t take a lot of time to fade away."

Arnold is currently in her third year as superintendent. She taught for three years at John Brown Elementary and for nine years at Betty Kiefer Elementary. She served as Betty Kiefer's assistant principal for six years and principal for five. Arnold then spent eight years as Lakeland's assistant superintendent before taking the superintendent reins from her predecessor in 2022.

"Lisa Arnold has devoted an incredible 34 years of her life to serving the Lakeland Joint School District, leaving an indelible mark at every level — from classroom teacher to principal, from assistant superintendent to superintendent," Lakeland Assistant Superintendent Lynn Paslay said in an email Tuesday.

She said Arnold's steadfast dedication "reflects a true heart for the students, staff and this community, consistently championing what is best for kids and fostering a supportive environment where everyone can thrive."

"Lisa’s legacy is not just in the roles she has held, but in the countless lives she has touched with her unwavering commitment, compassion and love for Lakeland," Paslay said. "She will be greatly missed."

The Lakeland School Board will now take the lead on finding Arnold's replacement, Paslay said.