Events to benefit Sorensen

Two fundraisers aim to give Sorensen Elementary the financial backing it needs to become a specialized school for the arts and humanities.

Nearly 20 downtown businesses have pledged 15 percent of their profits this weekend to the school, and a gala planned for June 2 at the Coeur d’Alene Resort already has more than $40,000 in donated items.

The Coeur d’Alene School District proposed closing the school to save money. Initial plans to move it off the chopping block by turning it into an arts and humanities magnet school – one that draws students from outside the district – called for school supporters to raise $100,000 by August, then $200,000 for the 2007-08 school year.

But the number of applicants to the magnet program shattered expectations, with about 150 students new to the school applying. The goal was 20 to 30 by the end of the summer.

Because more students mean more state money, the enrollment boom eases the fundraising mandate but doesn’t get rid of it, said Sorensen Principal David Miller. Things like pottery wheels, musical instruments and art supplies still need to be purchased.

“It certainly is not a need that has disappeared,” Miller said. Small fundraisers have brought in about $5,000.

Pam Pratt, director of elementary education for the district, told the school board she hopes the June 2 event will bring in about $80,000.

About 315 students will attend the school next year – the most the building can hold. Returning Sorensen students got enrollment priority, leaving about 50 of the new kids on a waiting list, Miller said.

About $420,000 worth of renovations are needed to make the school compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The school district is working with Coeur d’Alene’s urban renewal agency to have the agency fund the changes in phases.

Miller said the huge response to the magnet school shocked the district.

“It is serving as a catalyst for questions like ‘hmmm, maybe we should do another couple of magnet schools?’ ” he said.