RATHDRUM - When John Klingaman was approached about starting up Mountain View Alternative High School, he paused.

"I didn't know if I had the wherewithal to do that," Klingaman said about the proposal from former Lakeland Joint School District Superintendent Bob Jones. "I didn't know anything about alternative schools."

But Jones gave Klingaman a little wiggle room that helped.

"He said, 'We'll give you a year and, if you don't like it, you can go back to Lakeland High School,'" Klingaman said.

Klingaman accepted the offer. And he hasn't looked back.

Klingaman, who has remained the school's head teacher and on-site administrator from the start 19 years ago, will retire at the end of this school year.

"I've thought about (Jones' proposal) for years," Klingaman said. "It was a blessing. It was the greatest move in education that I ever made."

Students and staff, he said, have quenched his thirst to make students successful.

"Alternative schools is where I needed to be in education," he said. "I gravitate toward these kids as does my staff, and that's why the school is so successful."

"Kling", as students call him, has worked for the Lakeland district for 29 years, including the last 19 at Mountain View.

What has it been like to have started the school and being there until now?

We started out in 1995 with 40 students and we've had as many as 120. We're now averaging about 100. Our motto has been: Learn as we go. We're always looking to improve and make adjustments to meet the needs of the kids.

What has kept you at the school this long?

I just love working with these kids. I like smaller environments so I can work one on one with students. I've also been the counselor, so I've enjoyed developing relationships.

Was there ever a time you seriously thought about leaving?

Never. This has been a great journey. I've never had second thoughts. I have had the opportunity to be an athletic director and coach again, but I've never had a second thought about that.

What was your home life like growing up?

I grew up here in Rathdrum. I had a great home life with very supportive parents. My faith is what drew me to serve these kids.

What student success story exemplifies what Mountain View is about?

There are many, but a young lady grew up with parents who were on drugs and alcohol. She had three younger siblings that she raised while she was going to high school. She lived in a trailer house in which the electricity and plumbing were off and on. She went on to major in animal science and is currently applying to veterinarian school. It's a big thing when students work through their issues.

What are you most proud of from your time at Mountain View?

To see how students call Mountain View their home. It's a safe place for them. It's a place where they can be loved and not judged. At the same time, they know that they are held accountable.

How are they held accountable?

Our attitude is that our taxpayers and district are giving you a second chance. If you are serious about that, you can take that opportunity to move forward. You've got to maintain a 2.0 GPA and you can only miss up to three days of school over nine weeks.

What is emphasized when students first start out at Mountain View?

I tell them that they have a clean slate when they come in here. I don't have the scoop on them and don't look at their records. I tell them that they'll get to know me and I'll get to know them. There's a lot to be said for a fresh start so that they don't think they need to have baggage hanging over them.

What is Mountain View's graduation rate?

Our graduation rate is around 95 percent. Idaho's rating system is the same for alternative and regular schools with 5 being the highest based on graduation rates and standardized testing. Two years ago, Mountain View was the only alternative school with a 4 in the state. This year, us and one other alternative school are at 4. Typically we have 40 to 45 graduates and there will be 38 this year.

What has been the key to Mountain View's success?

Success breeds success. If the students feel loved and accepted they start to become successful. Support from our community, district office, school board and staff have been great. They have a heart and willingness to work with these kids.

Do you ever get inquiries from other schools and districts across the state about how and why the Mountain View model works?

Yes, and my typical answer when asked is, come to Mountain View to see what we do. That's where you'll learn about success.

What are your plans after retirement?

My wife has one or two more years of running the preschool at Shepherd of the Hills (in Rathdrum), so I'll work on the house and we'll sell it when she retires. We'll also travel. I'll also get more involved in my church (Real Life Ministries in Post Falls).