Cd'A trustees to host community forum Saturday

Coeur d'Alene School District trustees will hold a "Fresh-Air Forum" from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday at McIntire Family Park, 8930 N. Government Way, Hayden.

Trustees Jimmy McAndrew, Heather Tenbrink and Allie Anderton will answer questions about the school district's $6 million expected budget shortfall and related items. 

"There will be nothing fancy about this opportunity, but I look forward to visiting with you as we move forward together," McAndrew said on his Jimmy Mac 4 CDA Facebook page.

"Come have a conversation with your neighbors, some great vitamin D and fresh air and have a doughnut and a cup of joe on me," McAndrew said.

The district is facing a potential $6 million shortfall because of lower student enrollment, increased costs and less funding from the state. Enrollment is down for several reasons, according to information shared by the district: A decade of lower birth rates; more choices for education such as private, charter, online and homeschooling; high housing prices that are not affordable for many young families; and an influx of older people without children moving to North Idaho.

District staff members are weighing several options to balance the budget, including staff reductions, repurposing Borah Elementary School and adopting a different school week schedule. This could mean a four-day school week or a 160-day school calendar, which would entail alternating five- and four-day weeks.

"I can’t promise that I will have answers to every question but I promise I will have an ear," McAndrew said. "Would love to see and hear from you on Saturday."

    Tenbrink
  

    Anderton