WBCSD board votes to allow junior high building use
PRIEST RIVER — In a Dec. 9 special meeting, West Bonner County School District trustees voted against a facilities committee recommendation to close the Priest River Junior High building to all use Jan. 1, 2025.
The decision comes about a month after staff, board members and residents discussed the future of WBCSD’s vacated junior high building and after the district’s facilities committee issued the recommendation during a Nov. 13 meeting.
While Priest River Junior High hasn’t hosted classes since trustees voted in June to migrate middle schoolers to Priest River Lamanna High, the building’s gymnasium has continued to be used for sports practices and other activities. When the prospect of shutting the building down was examined during a Nov. 20 board meeting, PRLHS principal Matt George warned trustees that could prevent local sports teams from being able to find practice time.
During Tuesday’s meeting, trustees shared reasons for opposing the recommendation to close the building next month, which was designed to help limit heating and plowing spending throughout the winter.
“As a board member and as an individual, I'm just going to say I don't think we accept the recommendation,” said Trustee Paul Turco.
Turco cited a recent review of utilities spending at different district facilities in the last decade that indicated shutting down the building may not offer substantial savings. He acknowledged that cost-saving measures may need to be put in place at district facilities, but that the board should prioritize changes that will affect the upcoming financial year.
“Decisions need to be made, but I think we focus on making those decisions for the next year,” he said.
Trustee Delbert Pound also voiced support for keeping the building available for January based on the limited cost savings available from closure and winterization.
“We need to figure out a different way to save money,” Pound said.
During Tuesday’s meeting, Turco emphasized the board’s mission to optimize spending while offering students as many amenities as possible with the funding WBCSD has available.
“We're going to consolidate as best we can and find the savings where we can, and do it responsibly,” he said. “We'll do the best we can with what we have for our kids.”