PRIEST RIVER, Idaho — Several elementary schools will likely be closed as part of an effort to close a $4.68 million shortfall brought about by the failure of a West Bonner County levy.
"I can't stop crying because this is our hometown," Holly Jepsen said, her voice breaking as she visibly fought back tears as residents lined up to comment on four options presented to balance the district's budget. "There are people not standing up here because they're emotional the same way I am. To see that my daughter may not have those opportunities in this town … It's not OK."
West Bonner County trustees were presented with four options, ranging from the most drastic, Option A, which would close three schools but come close to balancing the budget, to less severe options, which would keep more of the schools open but require figuring out how to bridge that gap.
“I think what we have to remember is that we can do [this], board chair Margy Hall said in closing the meeting. “We will do it. It won't look pretty. We got a bunch of lemons, and they're not very great, but we will make some nice lemonade, maybe a lemon meringue pie.”
After a lengthy and often emotional discussion, the board voted to pursue the third of the four options. That plan, referred to as Option C, would close Idaho Hill and Priest Lake elementary schools, with students sent to Priest River Elementary. Both the junior high and high schools would be kept open.
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