COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho — Changes are coming to elementary schools in the Coeur d'Alene Public School District.
During its Monday night meeting, the school board discussed proposed changes to boundaries for its southern elementary schools. These proposals come after the board voted to close one of its current elementary schools, meaning it's now up to members to decide where those students will go when the school closes.
Approximately two weeks ago, the district voted to close Borah Elementary School. The move is expected to save the district money as it addresses an expected $6 million shortfall for fiscal year 2025. With one less elementary school, however, the district needs to figure out where current Borah students will go next year.
The new version of proposed elementary attendance zones would go into effect in the 2024-2025 school year upon board approval. The new zone for Ramsey Elementary School and the current zone for Bryan Elementary School will fill in the former Borah boundaries.
Below are the proposed changes:
Bryan Elementary School
- 271 currently enrolled out of 416 available spots
- Propose adding 114 new students
- 385 students total
Fernan Elementary School
- 320 currently enrolled out of 442 available spots
- Propose adding 36 new students
- 356 students total
Winton Elementary School
- 367 currently enrolled out of 468 available spots
- Propose adding four new students
- 371 students total
Dalton Elementary School
- 388 currently enrolled out of 442 available spots
- Propose adding eight new students
- 396 students total
Ramsey Elementary School
- 415 currently enrolled out of 562 available spots
- 728 available spots with portables
- Propose adding 79 new students
- 494 students total
Based on district estimates, approximately 240 Borah students will relocate to nearby schools next school year. Approximately 114 Borah students will transition to Bryan Elementary, according to the district.
Some Borah parents aren't thrilled about the proposed changes. Carlee Nomee is one of them, who's worried about making trips across town from the high school to her youngest's new school at Ramsey Elementary.
“It’s going make it a hassle for me to drive to one end to go get my kids and then drive to the other end of the town to go get the others.” Nomee said.
The school district said it recognizes this is a difficult shift for elementary school families. Assistant Superintendent Patty Morrison said the district hopes to make this a smooth transition for all.
"We know this is a unique thing that doesn't happen very often when your kids are going through school," Morrison said. "Our main focus is to make this transition friendly and positive and informative. Any questions they have, they can reach out, of course, to their elementary [school] as they finish up their school year.”
Upon board approval of the new boundaries, parents should expect to receive an email Tuesday morning. The principal of their student’s new school will extend an invite to an upcoming welcome event scheduled at the end of the school year.
As for Borah Elementary, at the close of this school year, plans are in motion to turn it into the new home of the Coeur d’Alene Early Learning Center.
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