RATHDRUM — To rezone or not to rezone?

That was the question last week as juniors and seniors from Mountain View Alternative High School participated in a mock planning and zoning meeting at Rathdrum City Hall.

Over two weeks, Mountain View's government students studied a staff report that was prepared for a mock rezone from industrial to residential property.

"They learned about the city codes that set the criteria that is required for such a rezone," Rathdrum city administrator Leon Duce said.

The students learned about the differences in zoning from residential to commercial/industrial in the city of Rathdrum and the process for a public hearing. 

“I felt like it was super cool and a great opportunity for me, and I got to learn a lot of new things that I didn't know about before,” Mountain View senior Madelyn Smith said. "I thought the whole process of how everything works was super interesting, and how anybody could be in the position that I was in. You don’t get paid for it, it's not an actual job."

Rathdrum city staff assisted in providing testimony for and against the project. At the end of the hearing, the students deliberated toward a decision and made a recommendation to the City Council for passing the rezone.

"It was a great experience for the students and the staff at the city," Duce said.

Smith said she might consider getting involved in city government in the future, but either way, she was glad to have participated in the mock meeting.

"It would be good for everyone to know how that works," she said.

Government students from Mountain View Alternative High School listen to testimony regarding city codes and rezoning Friday as they participate in a mock planning and zoning meeting. From left: Terria Wiltsie, Brenner Pearson, Logan White and Madelyn Smith.