Peers Honor Superintendent Of Lakeland Schools
Idaho school officials have voted Lakeland School District’s Robert Jones as superintendent of the year.
Jones, Lakeland’s top administrator for 16 years, was nominated by his seven-member administrative team.
Since Jones began as superintendent of the Rathdrum schools at the start of the 1981-82 school year, the district has experienced enrollment growth of nearly 2,000 students.
As the challenges of rapid growth mounted over the last decade, Jones adopted a long-range building plan in tune with community expectations. As a result, four major bond levies have been passed, earning Lakeland a reputation for modern facilities.
Jones said Tuesday he always has tried to keep children the focus of district planning.
“We try to be loyal to the community and serve the community the best we can, but ultimately our service is to the kids,” he said. “I would hope that will always be our focus.”
Jones, who has worked in the Lakeland School District for 26 years, will represent Idaho at the national conference of superintendents in San Diego.
He was chosen for the award by superintendents of Idaho’s 113 school districts.
“It’s very nice to be honored by your peers and your colleagues, and I certainly see it as a very special honor,” Jones said.
“But the recognition it brings to the district is really to be shared with everyone in our district - the staff and parents who have been supportive of the schools.”
Jones has developed staff training programs, and the district’s salary and benefits package is among the highest in the state, according to the school administrators who nominated him.
The 54-year-old administrator also has established a reputation as a dedicated community volunteer. He served as a volunteer firefighter for 10 years and was mayor of Rathdrum from 1973-1976. While volunteering for Rotary, chamber of commerce and other economic development organizations, he also has served on several statewide education committees and commissions.
, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color Photo