Click for the latest Bonners Ferry weather forecast.
Print Version

Home   News   Sports   Social   Obituaries   Events   Letters

Riverside High may be closed

June 10, 2012
The School District 101 board of trustees has a full agenda for their upcoming regular meeting June 12, and it's liable to be an emotional one, as they are set to discuss and possibly approve a resolution to close the Riverside Alternative High School.

The item, included as the second item on the action agenda, sparked concern Sunday afternoon on Facebook, with a number of people from different backgrounds weighing in. If this initial response holds, it could be a fractious get-together.

"They are trying to close down Riverside School this summer!" one wrote. "These kids have fought hard to be in school and want to graduate. If the school board succeeds, most of these kids will drop out. There were several homeless kids that went there this year and many are struggling with other things. These kids should have the full support of the school board to try to succeed and instead they are getting the boot. Please support these wonderful kids by coming to the school board meeting ... it is not a matter of consolidating schools ... these kids won't make it without Riverside high school!"

"Most people don't realize that 10-percent of graduates in Boundary County come from Riverside," said another. "Another misconception is that if Riverside closes, the students will simply go back to the high school. That is not true; most will drop out of school. They are at an alternative school for a reason."

The item also sparked concerns that go back for years.

"Sure glad we voted through that levy they 'needed,'" one parent wrote. "I know of several teachers leaving because of lack of funding. Now this. Are Naples and Mt. Hall on the chopping block again, too?"

The board meeting, which also includes the 2012-2013 budget hearing, takes place at 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 12, in the Middle School cafeteria. The meeting is open and the public is encouraged to attend.