School districts jointly explore boundary adjustment

The Coeur d’Alene School District and Post Falls School District are exploring changes to establish a clearer, more logical boundary between the two school systems as development brings the communities closer together.

The proposed adjustment would establish Huetter Road as the primary boundary between the districts, from Harvest Avenue near the Coeur d’Alene Airport south to Maplewood Avenue near the Spokane River.

If approved, some property in the Post Falls district would move into the Coeur d’Alene district north of Mullan Avenue, and some property in the Coeur d’Alene district would move into the Post Falls district south of Mullan Avenue.

“We all recognize that as our communities continue to grow, the remaining parcels of vacant land between Post Falls and Coeur d’Alene are poised for development,” the districts said in a joint statement. “We already have one residential development that is split awkwardly between our two districts, with the boundary line running straight through some homes. We can remedy that and avoid similar situations in the future if we are able to establish a permanent, common-sense boundary line in an agreement that is beneficial to both school districts.”

The school districts have invited potentially affected property owners to a joint meeting of the Boards of Trustees for both districts on Monday at 6 p.m. at the Midtown Meeting Center in Coeur d’Alene. Any resident of either school district is welcome to attend, and public comment will be accepted.

The proposed change may impact where some children attend school or the amount of property taxes some property owners pay for public education. It is the intent of both districts to include a grandfather clause in any agreement to permit currently enrolled students directly affected by a boundary adjustment to attend school in the district of their choice until they complete their schooling.

The Midtown Center is at 1505 N. 5th St., Coeur d’Alene.

Written comments may be submitted to Lynn Towne, Clerk of the Board, Coeur d’Alene School District, 1400 N. Northwood Center Ct., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814; ltowne@cdaschools.org.