Lakeland officials refine reduction-in-force procedures, plan mock scenarios as levy uncertainty looms

Lakeland School District administrators spent a lengthy workshop session reviewing a revised draft of a reduction-in-force (RIF) policy, focusing on when a financial emergency can be declared, how certificated employees would be scored for dismissal, and how recalls would be handled if positions reopen.

The draft policy states, "A financial emergency must be declared by the board prior to taking any reduction in force actions. A financial emergency declared shall be effective for only 1 fiscal year at a time and shall not be declared by the board for a second consecutive year, unless qualified by additional reductions." The draft also references Idaho code requirements for selecting employees for release and for establishing recall procedures if positions become available after a RIF.

District leaders said the RIF decision would rest with the board and that the policy should provide a "fair and orderly process" if eliminations become necessary. The draft lists examples of triggers for a RIF — curriculum or program changes, negative changes in district finances, decreasing enrollment by program/grade/school, or staffing limits — and a set of criteria to consider when selecting certificated employees for reduction, including evaluations, certifications and credentials, extracurricular activities, professional contributions and longevity.

Central operational questions dominated discussion. Board and staff members debated who should complete the scoring form (policy 5740 f) and raised concerns about relying on a single…