COEUR d'ALENE - The state's top education official is coming to Kootenai County next week to talk to voters about KTEC (Kootenai Technical Education Campus), the professional-technical high school being planned on the Rathdrum Prairie.

Idaho Superintendent of Instruction, Tom Luna, and Ground Force Manufacturing owner, Ron Nilson, will give a presentation Monday at 6:30 p.m. at the Mica Flats Grange, at the corner of U.S. 95 and Kidd Island Road. The event is open to the public.

The development of KTEC is a joint project between the Post Falls, Lakeland and Coeur d'Alene school districts and many area business leaders.

"KTEC is a great example of what Idaho schools can accomplish when they consolidate their efforts and resources to improve student achievement," Luna said. "It is an efficient use of taxpayers' dollars."

The three local school districts are running levy elections on Aug. 24 seeking voter approval of financing for construction of the high school, estimated to cost $9.5 million.

The facility will allow for technical training, dual credit offerings and industrial certifications.

Post Falls business leader Nilson is a founding member of the KTEC committee, as is Dean Haagenson of Contractors Northwest Inc.

"KTEC is going to provide an option not currently available to our youth. Young people with marketable skills will enjoy a bright future in our society," Haagenson said. "KTEC will provide the opportunity to gain those skills."

North Idaho College has purchased property adjacent to the proposed high school's location. The college plans to eventually move its professional-technical programs onto the campus.