Cd'A schools attracting ideas for a magnet school

COEUR d'ALENE — Coeur d'Alene School District officials are looking for innovative ideas for a potential new magnet school.

Due to the continued growth in the student population, the Coeur d'Alene School District Board of Trustees and district administration has, according to a news release, begun looking at ways to use a currently vacant elementary school building located at the corner of Government Way and Hayden Avenue as the campus for a new magnet school. The district, according to the release, is reaching out to members of the community who wish to share concrete ideas for the potential school.

"We realize it takes great focus, vision, and effort to open a new magnet school," the release states. "Our school board believes that the focus of a magnet school is best driven in a grassroots, organic way through the passion efforts of many. That is why the excitement and planning must begin now for a 2017-2018 opening."

The release adds that the district is not just looking for ideas for a new magnet school, but is also looking for individuals who are willing to "lead and live it" as well. Those individuals, the release states, include teachers, support staff, administrators, parents and the community at large.

Proposals, according to the release, are due at the end of the business day today. However, the established timeline is subject to change, and district officials will not turn down proposals submitted after the deadline.

The proposals should include the following information:

1. The idea, focus, and vision for the magnet school, including any pertinent background information

2. A list of names and signatures of interested parties (teachers, support staff, administration, parents, and community partners)

3. The key point person's name, phone number, and email address

According to the release, district officials intend to review the submitted proposals at the beginning of June, and hope to notify those chosen for further consideration by June 15. Following the selection, the release states that those chosen will be required to submit a business plan by July 31.

"This, or a similar, timeline will allow administration to determine if there is a viable magnet idea that can be further developed and planned during the 2016-2017 school year for opening the following school year," the release states. "Funding assumptions will be the same as our current magnets: the 'standard' of the site plus administration, support staff and teachers will be provided like any elementary school. Anything 'extra' in terms of professional development, materials, etc., will be the responsibility of the group that is spearheading the start of the magnet school."

Tours of the Hayden Lake Elementary building can be arranged.

For more information, or to submit a proposal, contact Glenda Pope at gpope@cdaschools.org.