Former Employees and Community Members Call for Lakeland School Board Resignations in Idaho
Rathdrum, Idaho — A letter signed by 84 former employees, past superintendents, former board trustees and longtime community members was submitted to the Lakeland Joint School District board during a packed Wednesday meeting, calling on current trustees to resign. The unprecedented show of public opposition centers on the board’s decision to place its newest superintendent on paid administrative leave — a move critics say lacks legal justification and will cost taxpayers nearly $200,000.
Former Lakeland teacher Allison Knoll, who resigned in March 2025 after 18 years in the district, read an abbreviated version of the letter aloud during public comment. The letter cited the board’s unanimous decision to place Superintendent Rusty Taylor — who joined the district last summer — on paid administrative leave for the remainder of his two-year, $156,000-per-year contract.
Board Admits No Misconduct, Critics Question Judgment
“By the board’s own admission, there was ‘no misconduct, no breach of contract, no egregious behavior,'” Knoll read from the letter. “The explanation that he was ‘not a good fit’ raises serious concerns about judgment in leadership. Are employment decisions now based on personality conflicts? And if so, who’s next?”
The letter argued that Taylor broke no laws and violated no policies, challenging the board’s claim that the action was taken on the “advice of legal counsel.” Critics contend the board’s handling of the situation represents a failure of fiscal responsibility. Rather than formally documenting performance issues and severing Taylor’s contract through proper channels, the board chose a path that forces taxpayers to absorb a payout approaching $200,000.
“This decision will lead to more burden on the taxpayers,” Knoll said, reading from the letter. “Instead, the decision indicates a deliberate and premeditated choice as board of trustees to take vindictive action against Mr. Taylor.”
The letter further noted that Lakeland is one of only two school districts in Idaho that has consistently not been a member of the Idaho School Board Association, with the board citing cost as the reason — even as it now expects the community to absorb a significant contract payout.
Pattern of Turnover Raises Deeper Concerns
The letter pointed to a broader pattern of instability within the district’s leadership structure. According to those who signed the document, six different people have vacated the clerk of the board position over the past four years. “Virtually all of them left under duress because of the toxic work environment with the board of trustees, yet there has been no meaningful reflection or course correction from the board,” Knoll said.
Community member Megan Hall of Garwood echoed those concerns during public comment, recalling a time when Lakeland was viewed as a model district. “Roughly eight years ago, Lakeland looked very different. Levies passed, families wanted their kids here, the district was respected. There was trust between the board, the staff and the community,” she said. “That trust has been broken.”
Signatories of the letter also raised alarms about the impact of recent board actions on an upcoming plant facilities levy. They also noted that the district has earned the comparison “North Idaho College 2.0,” a reference to the governance turmoil that consumed North Idaho College in recent years.
Former Lakeland superintendent and board member Bob Jones, who attended the meeting, said he has 34 years of investment in the district. “I’m really concerned and really saddened by what’s happening with the district, with the board in particular,” Jones said. “It’s a tough go right now. I’ve got 34 years with the school district, my heart and soul, I have so much love for the district and the community. It’s just really sad to watch what’s happening right now.”
Board Chair Michelle Thompson addressed the standing-room crowd at the outset of the meeting, acknowledging that many questions remain unanswered. She said state law prevents the board from sharing information about the performance of a public employee. “It is our duty to act within the best interest of the district, even if our legal limitations leave more questions than answers,” Thompson said, warning that public disclosure could “open the door for legal action and additional costs.”
Near the end of the meeting, the board briefly discussed proposed changes to Policy 1410, which would tighten restrictions on future superintendents while expanding board control. Interim Superintendent Jake Massey said he is concerned the proposed language would leave too much room for interpretation. The policy is expected to return to the board for further review.
What Comes Next
The letter urged individual trustees to restore Taylor to his role as superintendent or, failing that, to resign immediately. No trustees indicated at the meeting whether they would comply with either request. The board has not publicly outlined a timeline for resolving Taylor’s administrative leave status. Policy 1410 is expected to come back before the board, and the outcome of the upcoming facilities levy vote could further reflect community sentiment about the board’s direction. Residents and former employees are expected to continue applying public pressure as the situation develops. For broader context on governance and education funding decisions shaping Idaho schools, readers can follow coverage at Idaho News.