Coeur d’Alene School District officials say they’re $1.8 million short in paying for a new school scheduled to open next September. The funding gap for Winton Elementary School was discussed publicly for the first time at a school board workshop Monday night. Superintendent Matt Handelman (pictured) said he learned about the shortfall about two months ago and immediately tightened his oversight of the $8 million project. School trustees will consider closing the difference using district reserves but said they also want to look at selling district-owned property to help cover the cost. “This is a problem we can solve within our means” and without delaying the school’s opening, board Chairman Christa Hazel said ... The bond projects were managed by Wendell Wardell, who was the district’s chief operating officer until his sudden departure last month/Scott Maben, SR. More here.