Rusty Taylor thinks of himself as a jack of all trades.

Not just in his professional life as the Lakeland School District’s new superintendent, but as an athlete and family man.

Taylor, 57, took on the role last month after a difficult few years for the district with budget cuts, failed levies and leadership departures.

But none of that was a thought for Taylor when accepting the position; instead, he was focused on family.

Taylor and his wife had a three-year plan to move to North Idaho from their home in Arizona to be closer to their grandchildren. Taylor’s son, Christopher Taylor, is an administrator at Lake Pend Oreille School District in Sandpoint.

The couple bought a home in Rathdrum, hoping to be closer to family but also close to the amenities of Spokane and Coeur d’Alene. The

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