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In 1948 more than 1000
school districts in Idaho began to consolidate into the present 115
districts. Fifteen school districts (Rathdrum and Spirit Lake with
grades 1-12 and 13 elementary districts) joined to form Lakeland School
District No. 272. At one time, Athol operated a high school but had
combined grades 9-12 with Spirit Lake prior to the state’s
reorganization.
After consolidating in 1948, the district tried to pass a bond issue to
build one central high school 14 times before being successful in 1961.
In the fall of 1962-63, Rathdrum and Spirit Lake High Schools joined
together for the first time in the present Rathdrum Upper Elementary
building. They moved to the new high school (present junior high) in
February of that year. The senior high format of grades 10-12 came about
when the present Lakeland High School was occupied in the fall of
1979-80.
The name “Lakeland” was adopted following a contest to name the new
district, but the person who selected the winning name is unknown. The
mascot “Hawks” was also selected through the contest, as neither
Rathdrum Panthers nor Spirit Lake Tigers could be used as a mascot in
the new school.
The district has changed considerable since consolidation. The combined
high school enrollment was approximately 160 students in 1948, and is
1,270 today (grades 9-12). The total district enrollment has increased
from about 480 to over 4,120 students. Several building projects have
been completed since the district was formed – either to replace worn
out schools or to provide for growth. In 1961, the John Brown Elementary
and present Junior High were built; in 1968, Athol and Spirit Lake
Elementary schools were built, plus classrooms were added to the John
Brown and Rathdrum Upper Elementary schools; classrooms were added to
the John Brown, Athol and Spirit Lake Elementary schools and to Lakeland
Junior High in 1972; the new senior high was approved in 1977 and
occupied in 1979; and classrooms, libraries, etc. were added to the John
Brown, Athol and Spirit Lake Elementary schools and to Lakeland Junior
High in 1984.
In 1991 additions were made for classroom space at Athol, Spirit Lake,
and John Brown Elementary schools plus additional classrooms were added
at the Junior High and the new Garwood Elementary was opened. In 1994
Betty Kiefer Elementary was built and additions for classroom and
multi-purpose space were added at Athol and Spirit Lake Elementary
Schools plus the junior and Senior High Schools. A new multi-purpose
room was also added to John Brown Elementary. In the fall of 1998
Timberlake Junior/Senior High School was completed together with
additions to Athol and Spirit Lake Elementary Schools. In the summer of
2000 classroom additions for Garwood and Athol Elementary Schools and
Timberlake were completed.
This fall, 2003, a bond issue was passed with 87 percent voter approval.
Funds from the $6.9 million issue will be used to build a new 7th and
8th grade Timberlake Junior High School, provide a Lakeland Senior High
School gymnasium/physical education facility, and modernize the Lakeland
Junior High School ninth grade classroom corridor. In addition to these
major projects, several minor additions and remodeling projects have
been completed over the years. |
History
