Lakeland schools will start classes an hour later than normal on Mondays starting this fall.

The school board approved the change, following similar moves in recent years in the Coeur d'Alene and Post Falls districts.

"This is to provide time for teacher collaboration," said Tom Taggart, Lakeland's finance director.

The district will add 15 minutes of instructional time to the school days on Tuesday through Thursday to account for the shortened instructional day on Monday, said Brad Murray, assistant superintendent.

Meanwhile, the Post Falls School Board this week also approved late-start Mondays for the second straight year. Classes in Post Falls will start Mondays 25 minutes later than normal again this fall.

"Overall the feedback has been positive from staff and parents," Superintendent Jerry Keane said of the format.

Late-start Mondays are intended to provide a more consistent time for teacher training and collaboration on curriculum and instructional changes.

In a personnel move, the Post Falls board approved hiring Lisa Hoffeld as the next principal of West Ridge Elementary. Hoffeld, who is currently a fifth-grade teacher at Mullan Trail Elementary in Post Falls, will replace Mandy Surratt who is retiring after the school year.

"My grandkids and travel are calling my name," Surratt said.

Surratt has been in the district for 33 years. She has been at West Ridge since 2008. Surratt has taught in the first, fourth, fifth and ninth grades and has been director of Title 1 reading and math services, vice principal of Ponderosa Elementary, vice principal at Post Falls High and principal of Mullan Trail.

Hoffeld has taught for 11 years in the first, fourth and fifth grades.

"I decided to go into administration because of my love for the education system," she said. "I truly believe in our teachers and school districts employee and the education they provide for students every day.

"I am excited for this new journey and the opportunity to support my fellow employees."

Post Falls also recently honored its teachers and support staff of the year.

Teachers of the year include: Julia Caldwell, Frederick Post Kinder Center; Lorali Holt, Mullan Trail; Mary Gerringer, Ponderosa; Aaron Lynn, Prairie View; Erika Lewis, Seltice; Debbie Garnett, West Ridge; Debra Berberick, Post Falls Middle School; Deb Tierney, River City Middle School; Natalie Ervin, New Vision High; and Dave Hoskins, Post Falls High.

Support staff of the year include: Denise Yarber, Frederick Post; Linda Wilhelm, Mullan Trail; Carla Deuser, Ponderosa; Karen Brooks, Prairie View; Carol Hudson, Seltice; Lucy Muncey, West Ridge; Barbara McVeigh, PFMS; Jennifer Kory, RCMS; Roy Murrell, New Vision; and Nickolay Bozu, PFHS.

In addition to Surratt, other retirees include: Lynda Caywood, Bobbi Dean, Emmett Harless, Hoskins, Pat Hoskins, Carol Hudson, Nancy Jewell, Kathleen Manor, Doug Meyer, Murrell, Rosanna Robbins, Shelley Ruff, Bruce Schonebaum and Dana Stiegemeier.