SPIRIT LAKE, Idaho – The Lakeland School District is grappling with significant budget cuts following the rejection of a levy renewal by voters in November. The district’s budget is expected to decrease from $40 million to $30 million, prompting discussions about potential cuts and another levy attempt in May.
The Lakeland School Board is meeting Wednesday night to discuss the possibility of running another levy this spring. The district is prepared to balance its budget by cutting a quarter of its costs, but even a successful levy may not be enough to save nearly 40 jobs.
“Right now, everything is on the table. We’re trying to figure out what to do to protect classroom instruction to the best of our ability,” Superintendent Lisa Arnold told NonStop Local in December.
The $10 million budget shortfall could lead to reductions in school resource officers, nurses, and counselors, according to the meeting agenda. It may also result in the termination of 16 teachers on one-year contracts and the loss of 10 librarian positions.
“What has taken decades to build has taken one failed levy to tarnish and will take a decade to repair,” a teacher said at a previous board meeting.
Extracurricular activities and sports are also at risk, with costs potentially shifting to families. Participants could face a $1,800 participation fee – this number could increase depending on participation rates, according to agenda documents.
Even with the best-case scenario where voter approve the levy in question, the situation remains challenging. The proposed levy would save 25 teaching jobs and prevent activity participation fees on families, but the district would still face a $2 million deficit. At best, 39 full-time staff members could be left without jobs.
The board will discuss the details of the levy at Timberlake High School Wednesday night at 5:30 pm. Any levy for the May ballot still requires legal review before a final decision is made.
