Where was board discussion on LPO's future?

As the public conversation continues regarding the future of Lake Pend Oreille Alternative High School, I believe one question deserves greater attention: How was this decision made?

Through public records requests, I recently asked the district where the formal board discussion or board decision approving the relocation of LPO could be found. The response from the district was that there has never been a formal board discussion or formal board decision on this matter. The district considers relocation, movement of portables, and related operational changes to fall under the superintendent’s authority to manage district operations.

Yet significant changes have already occurred. Portables have been moved from the LPO campus. Positions have been reduced. Enrollment declines are being cited as justification for relocation. The future sale of the property has been discussed.

What concerns many community members is that such a significant change appears to have progressed without a dedicated public board discussion focused specifically on relocating LPO.

School boards exist to represent the community. When decisions affect vulnerable students, a historic building, and a program that has served generations of students, many of us believe the public deserves a clear and transparent discussion of the merits, impacts, and alternatives before the process moves further forward.

The question is no longer whether people support or oppose relocation. The question is whether a decision of this magnitude deserves a formal public conversation.

MARY MALONE

Priest River