CDA schools go for engagement
COEUR d'ALENE — The new year presents four priorities for Coeur d'Alene School District: community engagement, levy needs, faculty needs and school schedules.
It starts with the community, said Scott Maben, the district's director of communications.
“Engaging the public creates awareness and understanding,” Maben said in an email to The Press. “It gives citizens a voice in the decision-making process at our board and district administration level. This is more than keeping the doors open; it’s about welcoming everyone in.”
Maben said that while many families in the district are attuned to what’s happening in the schools, that’s not always the case with the broader community. He said the district can do more to reach out and invite constructive, positive engagement with citizens who don’t have direct ties to the school district.
Trustee Casey Morrisroe said it's important to establish meaningful ways to engage the community in constructive and civil conversations.
Trustee Rebecca Smith said she's excited for the community to get to know Superintendent Shon Hocker better. Hocker joined the district in July.
“I am optimistic about the year ahead for our district,” Smith said. “I'm looking forward to working with our new board and together building on the strong education foundation District 271 is known for.”
Maben said welcoming everyone is essential for maintaining the trust and support the school district has cultivated over the years. He said there are many opportunities for members of the community to support students and teachers.
These include:
• Volunteering in a school or with extracurricular activities
• Serving on a committee
• Substitute teaching or working for the district; as an example, crossing guard on a part-time basis
• Mentoring high school students
• Contributing to groups dedicated to supporting students and teachers, such as the EXCEL Foundation, The Coeur Group, Growing the STEM, Innovia Foundation, Idaho Community Foundation and The Teacher Fund
• Being an informed citizen, learning the facts and helping counter misinformation that tears down, divides and undermines confidence in public education
Maben said the Long Range Planning Committee is reviewing facility needs including long overdue repairs and maintenance, capacity strains at some schools and grade levels, and opportunities to improve safety and security in schools.
Smith said the budget will be an ongoing focus, as well as working through the issues of continued community growth and its impact on schools.
The district is also exploring some major school schedule changes. Maben said that prior to the pandemic, a committee suggested moving high school start time to later in the morning.
Another committee is exploring options for a high school class schedule that would be uniform for Coeur d’Alene and Lake City high schools, Maben said. He said the goal would be to give students access to similar course offerings and provide consistency in graduation requirements.
Maben said a recommendation will be coming to the board of trustees in the new year. Smith said they'll be working right away on the high school start times and credit alignment.
She said it will also be important that they make sure graduating students are ready for life post graduation.
Maben said district officials will also begin to review the needs of the local two-year levy, which will expire in 2023.
He said with three new trustees joining the board, it's important to provide details on what the levy supports, how they keep the tax rate low, and why school districts in Idaho have to rely on local taxpayers to cover a substantial gap in state funding of education.
Newly elected trustees Allie Anderton and Lesli Bjerke will be taking their places on the board this month. Heather Tenbrink assumed the role of trustee on Dec. 6, appointed by the trustees to fill a vacant seat.
Morrisroe said he's looking forward to welcoming the new board members and working with them to improve the educational outcomes and experiences for all students.
“I believe this is an excellent opportunity to move beyond the COVID decisions of the past that have polarized our community and return our focus to educational opportunities and issues,” Morrisroe said. “I think it will be important for us as trustees to work together as a cohesive team alongside our superintendent as we engage in this important work.”
Smith said she's met with each new trustee individually and is confident in their ability to come together and work for the good of the students and district. She said they've done some positive onboarding sessions with each new trustee.
“I'm looking forward to getting to know our new trustees better and the gifts, talents and perspectives they each bring to this important role,” Smith said.
This month the board will attend a workshop and training day centered on board governance and establishing board norms.
Morrisroe said he'd like to see the initial focus around team building, getting up to speed on pressing issues and establishing board norms.
“I believe we all share an interest in continuing the long tradition of quality education in Coeur d'Alene,” he said. “I am confident we will find ways to support that work.”
