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Parents and former staff criticize Lakeland board’s handling of superintendent leave, warn levies will suffer
Summary
Multiple public commenters accused the Lakeland District board of eroding trust after it placed Superintendent Rusty Taylor on paid administrative leave and, according to speakers, agreed to a roughly $200,000 payout; commenters urged more transparency before an upcoming levy vote.
Megan Hall, a parent and community member, told the Lakeland District board that repeated unanswered emails and hostile meetings have broken community trust and made voters unlikely to approve new levies. “This district cannot remain stable without both the plant facilities levy to keep buildings safe and a supplemental levy to support programs,” Hall said, adding that “levies only pass when voters believe their money will be handled responsibly.”
Several other patrons said the board’s recent personnel actions have damaged credibility. Allison Knoll, speaking on behalf of “84 former employees and patrons,” said the district paid out the superintendent’s contract at a reported cost of $200,000 and accused trustees of taking “vindictive action” without…
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