When a community believes in its students, everyone wins

My sister, brother, and I were raised by a remarkable woman who devoted her life to education right here in Coeur d’Alene. Our mom, Karen Coppess, was an elementary school teacher and later a principal in School District No. 271. She believed deeply that every child deserved the opportunity to succeed.

But her commitment didn’t end when the school day was over. She quietly helped families struggling, purchased supplies for students who didn’t have them, and encouraged children who needed someone to believe in them.

She understood something powerful: when you invest in a child’s education, you change the trajectory of their life.

That lesson has stayed with me throughout my life and my work in this community.

Today, education is not only a personal opportunity — it is a community imperative. The strength of our workforce, the health of our economy, and the prosperity of future generations are directly tied to whether young people have access to post-secondary education and training.

In Idaho, we face some sobering realities. Our state ranks among the lowest in the nation in several key areas, including high school graduation rates, post-secondary “go-on” rates, per-student education spending, and teacher compensation. These challenges affect not only students and families, but also the long-term vitality of our communities.

For many young people in North Idaho, the barrier is simple: affordability. The cost of tuition, books, tools, and housing places higher education out of reach for many talented and motivated students.

For the business community, this matters.

A strong workforce is the foundation of a strong economy. Research from the Social Security Administration shows that individuals who pursue post-secondary education experience significantly better outcomes. Workers with a bachelor’s degree earn, on average, nearly $1 million more over their lifetime than those with only a high school diploma. They are more likely to secure higher-paying jobs, achieve homeownership, and build financial stability for their families.

When our community invests in education, everyone benefits.

Businesses gain access to a stronger talent pipeline. Communities with skilled workforces are better positioned to attract and retain companies that offer higher-paying wages. Local economies grow stronger, and families have greater opportunities to thrive.

That is why our chamber’s Education Committee is so committed to our annual scholarship program — and why the generosity of our business community continues to inspire me.

This year, we are especially grateful to the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, whose matching challenge has created a powerful movement across our region. Their leadership has doubled the impact of every scholarship and inspired businesses throughout North Idaho to step forward and invest in students.

Several organizations have expanded their commitments this year, including STCU and Young Construction Group, with 10 scholarships each; Northwest Specialty Hospital, with 10 Strength of Character Awards in addition to scholarships; Kootenai Health, with six scholarships; and North Idaho College, with five scholarships supporting students on their educational journeys.

Today, we are very close to reaching our goal. With just 27 additional scholarships, we can ensure that 200 local students have the opportunity to pursue their education and career dreams.

March 3 would have been my mom’s 83rd birthday. Over the course of her career in the CDA public schools, Karen Coppess taught and served as principal to more than 2,000 students.

Even today, I still cherish meeting people who share stories about her — how she encouraged them, challenged them, or helped them believe in themselves. Those moments remind me how one educator’s belief in a child can ripple across generations.

I find myself praying that God would somehow give her the ability to see what is happening here today — an entire business community stepping forward to invest in students and open doors for their futures.

If she could, I believe she would see exactly what she spent her life working toward: a community that believes in and pours into its young people.

And I think she would be incredibly proud.

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Linda Coppess is CEO and president of the Coeur d'Alene Regional Chamber.

    Dalton Elementary School principal Karen Coppess sits with students at an in-office picnic in 1986.
  

    Dalton Elementary principal Karen Coppess with students in 1988.