LPOHS not closing and not for sale

Lake Pend Oreille Alternative High School has long served an important role in our community by providing at-risk students with a different pathway to graduation. For students who benefit from a smaller learning environment, individualized support, flexible scheduling, and strong relationships with staff, the alternative high school program offers an educational setting designed to help them succeed.

The current LPOHS building itself has long held a meaningful place in our community. For many, it carries decades of memories, connection, and pride. We recognize that history, and we understand why this conversation has sparked strong emotions. 

We want to be extremely clear that the alternative high school program is not closing, the building and property are not for sale, and there are no plans to sell. Any future considerations regarding the property would take place through a public process with community input and transparency. At this time, the focus is not on the building itself, but on ensuring students have access to the educational opportunities and support they need to graduate and prepare for life after high school. The decision to relocate LPOHS beginning in the 2027–28 school year is grounded in that responsibility. 

Over time, enrollment at LPOHS has declined while graduation rates across the district continue to rise. This reflects fewer students choosing the alternative high school program as support systems across all K-12 district schools have expanded and improved. Earlier interventions, increased academic and behavioral supports, and additional educational options have all contributed to this shift. 

“The facts are that we have a shrinking population of students at LPOHS, this is not a statistic that we should be worried about. This is a success story,” said Board Chair Lonnie Williams. “We advocate for all of our students at every one of our campuses. I strongly disagree with those who advocate for growing a population of at-risk students.” 

State and federal funding are directly tied to student enrollment, therefore declining enrollment at LPOHS has resulted in reduced funding, as it has in several other district schools. It is important to understand that reductions in staffing and course offerings are the result of declining enrollment and funding, not the cause of it. As enrollment has declined, the program has become limited in its ability to independently offer electives and specialized courses. Regardless of funding, students are required to take elective credits to graduate. Ensuring access to those courses is part of the district’s responsibility to every student. 

Beginning next school year, LPOHS students will have access to the full range of SHS electives and Career Technical Education Center (CTEC) programs, including welding, nursing, carpentry, forestry, engineering and technology, culinary arts and hospitality, JROTC, and more. Thirty-nine out of 49 students have already registered for courses next year at SHS and CTEC. Students who choose not to attend classes at SHS or CTEC will continue to have opportunities to meet graduation requirements through independent study and work-based learning options. 

Traveling between the current LPOHS campus and SHS for elective courses throughout the school day could reasonably reduce students’ instructional time by as much as one-third. This is unsustainable and inequitable for LPOHS students. Relocating LPOHS to the new campus removes that barrier, while students continue to receive core instruction and primary support within LPOHS’s small, supportive environment. 

“As the former Principal of LPOHS, I deeply value the alternative school and the role its dedicated staff plays in helping students build confidence in their post-graduation aspirations,” said Superintendent Dr. Becky Meyer. “As Superintendent, my responsibility is to preserve that support while also ensuring all district programs remain sustainable and fiscally responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars.” 

The future LPOHS campus will include a remodeled foundational building, currently used by the JROTC program, and additional learning spaces that will help establish a distinct campus environment for LPOHS students. Planning is already underway with input from staff and students. Early concepts include updated classrooms, student gathering space, an outdoor pavilion, sports courts, and landscaping designed to create a welcoming campus identity and strengthen students’ sense of belonging and ownership. 

This transition centers on students: their access to opportunities, their ability to meet graduation requirements, and their long-term success. The building holds meaning and history, but the day-to-day focus of this work is ensuring LPOHS students have access to the instruction, electives, support, and opportunities they need to graduate and become thriving members of our community.

Shelby Struhs

Community Relations Coordinator, Lake Pend Oreille School District