Parent involvement would seem like one of the basics at every Kootenai County school, Kristin Goodmansen said.

But the mother of three and previous PTO president at Mullan Trail Elementary said she simply isn't seeing it, with maybe 15 parents volunteering for activities at a school with 400 students.

"One parent said she didn't want to get involved because the PTO seems cliquey," Goodmansen said on Friday at the Iron Horse Bar and Grill. "But it just seems cliquey because only the same parents ever get involved."

A lack of parent volunteers, on top of decrepit buildings and overcrowding, were issues without obvious solutions brought up on Friday at the Kootenai County Democrat Club meeting, where a panel of parents discussed local education.

The four parents who spoke of local school districts' successes and obstacles were selected because of their heavy involvement in the school systems, and not political affiliation, said Paula Marano, Democrat Club member and retired teacher.

"They are one small perspective," Marano said.

Christa Hazel, vice president of the PTA at Bryan Elementary in Coeur d'Alene, agreed she would like to see more parents getting involved in their children's success, even if just by providing hearty breakfasts and an early bedtime.

"There are lot of kids at school who don't have that kind of structure," Hazel said.

She is confident her two children are being taught well at Bryan, she added. But she pointed out that many schools in the Coeur d'Alene School District suffer from inadequate infrastructure, which directly impacts the quality of education.

For instance, only newer schools have a HVAC system, or heating, ventilation and air conditioning.

"A lot of people equate that to, 'Oh, you have air conditioning.' But in some schools, there's no air circulation," said Hazel, who is a Republican. "That can equate to sickness and respiratory problems and increased absences."

Kristin Goodmansen and her husband, Steve, also noted that Mullan Trail's PTO had to fundraise to buy teachers dry erase boards to replace the shower boards they were using.

"It seems strange to me that that's something the PTO is coming up with cash for," Steve said. "The basic (materials) for educating our children shouldn't have special fundraisers."

Lisa May, whose two children attend Sorensen Magnet School, added that though her kids are benefiting from the school's emphasis on arts and humanities, she has safety concerns over the 50-year-old building.

"They still use radiators from the '50s that are not safe for children. The tops fall off," May said, adding that the absence of a parking lot could also be an issue during an emergency.

Steve, whose three children are scattered throughout the Post Falls School District, said he would like to see overcrowded classrooms addressed.

He and Kristin weren't sure if the best solution is students taking online courses, a new state initiative. Their daughter Jessica in sixth grade was able to progress to an eighth-grade level taking an online math course at Mullan Trail, they noted.

"But then she hit a wall, and the program just didn't explain it," Steve said. "It's great to have computers and teachers, but if I'm going to choose between the two, I'll choose the teacher."

Kristin also expressed concern about too much focus on standardized testing. The couple's youngest in third grade is shy and nervous during reading tests proctored by a stranger, she said.

"Because she doesn't score well, she doesn't think she's a good reader, and she's an amazingly smart child," she said.

Several members of the Democrat Club encouraged others to volunteer at local schools if they want to see a difference.

"They just gobbled me up," said Peggy Mahoney, a retired music teacher who volunteered at Canfield Middle School. "Children seem to glob onto seniors. I would just go (to nearby schools) and ask."

Everett Headrick said Dalton Elementary staff has been grateful for his volunteering to read with children.

"I can't think of anything worse than a child leaving the first grade and not being able to read," Headrick said. "There's a great need for help in the schools, no matter where you are."