Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Lake Pend Oreille Alternative High School closing?

No. The alternative high school is not closing.

LPOHS will continue serving students in its current location during the 2026-27 school year and in a dedicated space adjacent to Pine Street Field, near SMS and SHS, beginning in the 2027–28 school year. The staff, support structure, and mission of providing individualized, flexible learning will continue. 

2. Why is the district relocating the school?

Enrollment at LPOHS has significantly declined, which directly impacts funding. Because of this, even the few electives the school previously offered could no longer be supported within the staffing allocations for the LPOHS enrollment figures.

Even if a few electives were still possible, LPOHS students do not have the same access as SHS students to the wide variety of courses, Career Technical Education programs, and hands-on learning opportunities—such as carpentry, welding, sports medicine, nursing, forestry, journalism, and more—without being bussed from their current location. Traveling to SHS for classes creates a significant disruption to the school day and reduces instructional time.

Relocating the school to a new campus closer to SHS allows LPOHS students to access these broader opportunities more equitably, while still maintaining the small, relationship-based learning environment that defines the alternative program. This move is about strengthening student access and opportunity, not limiting it.

3. What will the new LPOHS campus look like?

The new LPOHS campus will include a dedicated foundational brick and mortar building (formerly the Driver’s Education building) and two portables. Portables are a standard part of many district schools, including the current LPOHS location, where several are used behind the Lincoln building.

The campus will have its own parking lot and entrance. While it is within walking distance of Sandpoint High School, the two campuses are not directly visible to each other. This setup allows LPOHS students to access electives, labs, and programs at SHS while maintaining a distinct, dedicated learning environment.

4. How will the district preserve the unique culture of LPOHS?

The heart of LPOHS is its relationships, sense of belonging, and individualized attention — not the physical building.

The district is committed to working with students and staff to design a dedicated space that reflects the program’s identity. This may include outdoor learning areas, program-specific features, and customized campus elements that allow the alternative school community to make it their own.

5. What benefits will students gain from relocation?

Relocating the school to a campus closer to SHS provides students with:

• Increased access to Career Technical Education pathways
  
  

• Workforce certifications and internship opportunities
  
  

• Expanded elective choices
  
  

• Specialized labs and equipment
  
  

• Extracurricular opportunities
  
  

• Increased instructional time during the school day
  
  

The goal is to preserve the personalized instruction and small, relationship-based learning environment that defines LPOHS while expanding educational opportunities that were limited by the small campus and need to travel across town.

6. What will happen to the current building?

The current facility has served the community for over 117 years and holds significant history. While the building faces maintenance challenges, no final decision has been made about its future. Any decision would be made in a public board meeting with community input.

7. Will LPOHS students be safe and respected at the new campus?

The district recognizes that some LPOHS students previously faced challenges in a larger school environment, and we are committed to ensuring that all students feel safe, supported, and respected. As part of the relocation, the district will work with administrators, staff, and students to establish a welcoming environment and clear expectations for behavior across the campuses.

LPOHS will remain a distinct, smaller learning community, and students will continue to have strong relationships with their teachers and support staff. The district is committed to proactively addressing any potential friction, ensuring that students can focus on learning and accessing the expanded opportunities that the relocation provides.

8. Will students be required to attend classes at Sandpoint High School?

No student will be forced into a traditional full-time high school setting.

The alternative program will remain a distinct, smaller learning community. Students will have easier access to electives, CTE courses, labs, and extracurriculars at SHS if they choose to participate, but independent study and work-based learning options will remain available.

9. Is this decision financially motivated?

The relocation is focused on what’s best for students. Maintaining the current building without change will limit LPOHS students to core classes and reduced access to electives, CTE programs, and support services. Moving closer to SHS ensures students continue to receive personalized attention while gaining access to the full range of learning opportunities the district offers, aligning with the district’s mission to support every learner.

10. Will staff positions be reduced?

Some staffing changes have occurred, and we recognize that these adjustments can be difficult for the LPOHS community. These changes are necessary to ensure the school can continue operating and serving students.

The district remains committed to maintaining the core staff needed to support students with personalized attention and guidance. Staffing decisions will continue to be made with student needs as the top priority, ensuring that the alternative program remains open and focused on supporting the learners who benefit from it.

11. How can the community support LPOHS students during this transition?

The most meaningful way the community can support students is by focusing on their learning and growth. While it’s natural to feel attachment to the current building, students benefit most when the conversation emphasizes their opportunities, relationships, and success rather than the structure itself. Community members can help by encouraging students, sharing positive stories, and participating constructively in planning or feedback opportunities. Supporting students in this way helps them enter the new space with confidence and excitement for the expanded learning opportunities ahead.

12. What is the district’s long-term commitment to alternative education?

Alternative education remains an essential part of the district’s mission. The relocation is intended to strengthen the program’s sustainability and ensure it remains viable and robust for years to come.

Students who benefit from a nontraditional setting will continue to have that option in Lake Pend Oreille School District.

13.  Why can’t funding be shifted from other schools or the district office to keep LPOHS in its current location?

School district funding is legally allocated for specific purposes, based on enrollment, state formulas, and designated program funding. Funds cannot be transferred from one school, program, or department to another without violating these regulations.

District-level staff and services provide essential support to all schools, including transportation, special education, curriculum, safety, and operations. These roles are required by law and are critical to keeping all schools running effectively.

The relocation of LPOHS is not about choosing one program over another—it is about ensuring the alternative program can continue to operate within the legal and financial constraints of the district while providing students equitable access to educational opportunities.

14. How can community members share feedback?

Community members are encouraged to attend school board meetings, contact board trustees, or reach out to the district office. Input on program design, student needs, and the future of the new campus is welcomed, and the district is committed to keeping communication open and transparent throughout this transition.