RATHDRUM - Former Kootenai County finance director Dave McDowell is the new director of business and operations for the Lakeland Joint School District.

McDowell takes the reins from Tom Taggart, who held the position for 14 years before retiring at the end of last month.

McDowell, a Coeur d'Alene resident, started work last month and will be earning $7,300 per month.

"Education is a great field to be involved with," he said Monday. "The environment here is great."

He is looking forward to making a contribution to the district's educational effort.

The director of business and operations is responsible for the budget, finances and contractual agreements.

McDowell reports directly to Superintendent Brad Murray.

Lakeland has a total of six elementary schools in Rathdrum, Spirit Lake and Athol. It also includes Lakeland junior and senior high schools in Rathdrum and Timberlake junior and senior high schools in Spirit Lake.

The district includes Mt. View Alternative High School and Kootenai Technical Education Campus, both in Rathdrum.

McDowell was the county's finance director for more than 14 years before resigning in January. At that time, McDowell said he looked forward to exploring some new job opportunities.

Before he began at the county, he was controller for the Coeur d'Alene Tribe.