Lakeland District board approves $7.52 million levy recommendation after debate over cuts to programs and staff

The Lakeland District Board of Trustees voted to approve a superintendent-backed recommendation to place a $7,520,000 levy measure on the ballot, trimming a previously proposed $9,520,000 ask and restoring two items after trustee concerns. The meeting began at 5:30 p.m. and concluded at 7:20 p.m.

The levy recommendation — described by meeting materials as the district’s proposed funding package for the coming year — would incorporate about $2,000,000 in reductions from the failed $9.52 million proposal, but trustees also agreed to add back funding for two counselor positions and district garbage service as part of the final motion that carried. The board stressed that the levy still must be approved by voters before funds can be collected or programs restored.

Why it matters: The levy affects classroom staffing, extracurricular activities, transportation and safety programs across the Lakeland District, including Lakeland High School, Lakeland Middle School and Timberlake schools. District leaders said the package is intended to reduce the district’s reliance on local property taxpayers where possible while maintaining core instructional services.

Board debate focused on which programs and positions to cut or protect. Trustees and staff repeatedly returned to extracurricular and athletics…