COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho – Parents in the Coeur d’Alene School District may need to explore alternative options for driver’s education.
The school board is voting Monday night on whether to discontinue the program due to financial and staffing challenges.
The school district initially raised the issue in an August meeting, citing that the driver’s education program is no longer “financially sustainable.”
According to the district, the program operates at an annual deficit of $29,582.15.
Additionally, the need to purchase a new car would cost the school $6,000 annually for five years.
The impending retirement of the current driver’s education instructor further complicates the program’s future.
The district has suggested that discontinuing the program would result in cost savings.
Coeur d’Alene resident Chi Chi DiShanni expressed her concerns, stating, “Well, that’s horrible. To deny kids the opportunity to have instruction on how to drive a $2,000 vehicle, which could kill somebody.”
DiShanni also mentioned that her 15-year-old grandson has been practicing driving with her to accumulate hours.
She acknowledged that while a new Idaho law allows parents to teach their children to drive, it may not be suitable for every family.
Trent Derrick, director of secondary education at Coeur d’Alene Public Schools, emphasized the financial aspect, saying, “As we looked at the policy, the board directs the superintendent to facilitate a driver’s education program if it can be financially neutral. And at this point, we’re not, based on the needs that we have.”
If the board votes to discontinue the program, it could be reintroduced in the future.
However, if the decision passes, the program would cease operations in November.
The school board is set to meet Monday night at 5 p.m.
