January | 2021 |

A Message from the Superintendent

Dear Parents and Patrons of the Lakeland Joint School District,

For our District to be healthy and continue to perform at the exemplary level, we need to maintain a strong support system within our community and provide you with timely, factual information. As promised, twice per year, at midyear and end of year, we will report back to the community how your levy tax dollars are being spent to improve the learning environment and increase student achievement. We appreciate the community’s ongoing support and will continue to publish the semi-annual report to maintain healthy transparency.

While the LJSD is known for its academically rigorous educational program, priority on school safety and security, and fiscally responsible approach, this fall has definitely presented our district and its families with unprecedented challenges–academically, socially, and economically. Our entire educational system, as we know it, was turned upside down last spring and we were also forced to cut 6% from our district budgets. Our district responded in a predictably Lakeland way – school and home worked together to maintain the focus on what was best for students. While we were able to maintain our instructional integrity through the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year with staffing and programs, the budgetary holdbacks forced the district to place several programs on hold until funding is restored. Nonetheless, our District has been a shining example of individualizing educational opportunities to meet families where they are – we developed a fully online education program for all students K-12, as well as provided in-person learning at all 11 schools 5 days a week all year! What a blessing the Lakeland Joint School District has been for our community! This unparalleled approach to meeting the needs of all students was only accomplished through the collaboration and commitment of our dedicated staff, generous parents, and local patrons.

Please take a few minutes to read the Accountability Report linked in the image below. Thank you for your continued support, Dr. Meyer, Superintendent of Schools

Twice every year, Superintendent, Dr. Meyer publishes an accountability report to provide the community with an opportunity to view the progress in the District. Using taxpayer dollars fiscally and responsibly with a transparent approach is the goal we set to achieve. Click on the image below to check out the Mid-Year Accountability Report.

Jumping into 2021!

We are off to a great start in the new year. Our first semester has come to a close and we are looking forward to warmer weather and an awesome second semester. Our students are deep into learning and have been successful in navigating this unusual year. We thank our parents and community for the unwavering support they have provided this year!

: Timberlake High School student participated in the regional Business Professionals of America Competition. 25 students qualified for the State Competition in March.

: Giving back to Lakeland! A former Lakeland High School student presents Mr. Sescilla with a snare drum in recognition of his dedication to Lakeland students.

Levy Info

On March 9, 2021, the District will have a Replacement Instructional Levy on the ballot.

This $9.52 million Levy is a renewal and continuation of current District-wide educational, athletic, and extracurricular programs
The Lakeland Board of Trustees voted to run a levy that would not increase your District tax rate

With the tremendous growth in our community, the school tax rate continues to decline and we anticipate a flat impact to our taxpayers. What can you do now? The window is open to request your absentee ballot and register to vote if you haven’t already. It is important to note that you must request a new absentee ballot each year. We are continuously updating our website with important information that you should know about the upcoming Levy. Our District remains one of the top in the state because of the strong community support we receive.

How Does this Levy Affect your Taxes?

We want our community to have a clear understanding of how the Replacement Levy will affect your taxes. Our CFO, Brian Wallace has a short video to explain the School District taxes on your yearly statement. Check it out!

Mountain View High School Students are Commissioners in the Making

Recently, seniors from Mountain View High School attended a mock planning and zoning hearing as part of their Government Class. Learning about their civic responsibility is just one of the valuable lessons learned for this course. The Coeur d’Alene Press ran an excellent article about our seniors experience. Click on the picture from the Coeur d’Alene Press below to read more.

Presidential Scholar Nominees

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964, by executive order of the President, to recognize and honor some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors. This year, three of our Timberlake High School seniors have been nominated for this prestigious award. Please join us in giving them a huge CONGRATULATIONS for their hard work and dedication to academic excellence.