Declining enrollment has reduced funding, impacting classes and staffing.
State funding is based on student enrollment, so as enrollment decreases, less funding is available to support teachers and course offerings, including electives.
While it is true that declining enrollment can impact state funding, it is essential that we ask: In a school that has historically hovered around 100 students, why are we seeing such a big change now? What has happened since Dr. Meyer returned in 2023 to LPOSD to drop those enrollment numbers?
We have been told by numerous district employees, who have asked to remain anonymous (for now), for fear of losing their livelihood, that Sandpoint Middle School counselors were advised by District Admin to not refer any new students to LPOHS. This strategy was further evidenced by the fact that for the first time since the 1990’s, LPOHS staff were not invited to speak with 8th graders about the program being an option for them in high school. Historically, this was often the first time many incoming 9th graders would learn about LPOHS and what it has to offer.
We have also been able to verify that during this past academic year, interested Clark Fork High School students were told that LPOHS was “currently not accepting applications”. As more has become public about the ‘relocation’, students were told their parent/guardian would need to petition the Superintendent directly. Prior to this ‘crisis’, the Superintendent was not needed nor ever asked about which students could access LPOHS.
It is our fear that this has been the same tactic used with students at Sandpoint High School. Historically, SHS counselors have told LPOHS staff that on any given day there are no less than 200 students who need what LPOHS has to offer. We must ask: In a time when our population is growing exponentially, how is this program not holding strong at 100 enrolled students? It should also be noted that, according to the District, LPOHS would continue to be ‘profitable’ with 100 students. That said, without this manufactured crisis, this move would not be made to look necessary on paper.