Lakeland Joint School District superintendent on paid leave
STAFF REPORT | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 7 months, 3 weeks AGO
Taylor
Lakeland Joint School District trustees have placed Superintendent Rusty Taylor on paid administrative leave for the rest of his contract, effective Monday, according to an email sent to district families, staff and community members.
Details are sparse, but the board made the decision “on the advice of legal (counsel),” according to the email.
“We understand this decision may create questions regarding the future of the Lakeland Joint School District,” the email said. “We want to assure you the Board is committed to ensuring a safe, professional, and successful learning and working environment for both students and staff. As this is a personnel matter, we cannot provide further details at this time. We appreciate your patience while we navigate this situation on behalf of the District.”
Trustees voted to hire Taylor last June. He joined Lakeland after serving as the superintendent of Naco Elementary School District in Naco, Ariz.
Assistant Superintendent Jake Massey has been appointed to the position of Interim Superintendent.
“Mr. Massey has the full trust and confidence of the Board of Trustees to make decisions regarding the daily operations of the district,” the email said. “We ask that our teachers and staff continue to demonstrate our educational and community goals as we move forward with the remaining 2025-2026 school year.”
This is a developing story.
ARTICLES BY STAFF REPORT
Connell woman killed in Booker Road crash
CONNELL — Charges are pending against a Kennewick man following a collision about 12 miles south of Othello that killed a Connell woman and injured three other people Tuesday evening. A Washington State Patrol press memo said intoxicating substances were a factor. Jessica Zarate, 37, Connell, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash near the intersection of SR 17 and South Booker Road, the WSP memo said. She was driving south on Booker Road approaching the intersection when her car was hit by a pickup driven by John Reiss, 62, Kennewick. Edgar Garcia Quirino, 28, Othello, was driving north on SR 17 and ran into Zarate's car, the WSP memo said. The crash occurred at about 6:40 p.m.
Wheeler Road closed because of traffic collision
UPDATE: The road was reopened as of noon, according to a GCSO media release. MOSES LAKE — Grant County Sheriff’s Office has announced there is a road closure between Road 3-NE and Road S-NE. There was a serious traffic collision. GCSO is asking for drivers to avoid the area and find alternative routes. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Doors opening: The Currents will provide homeownership for more local workers
About 104 homes are planned at the former Atlas sawmill site
Teachers, nurses, firefighters and other workers who keep Coeur d’Alene running will soon have more places to buy a home in the community where they work. About 104 homes are being planned to be built at Atlas Waterfront, on roughly 10 acres that are part of a swath of land that was once home to the Atlas sawmill and is being redeveloped. Ignite CDA, the city of Coeur d’Alene’s urban renewal agency, is leading this effort.