Board Backs Idea Of Community Center But Cda School District Panel Says It’S Neutral On Next Week’S Ballot Measure

The Coeur d’Alene School Board expressed support Monday for having a community center in the city. But it stopped short of endorsing one that has been proposed.

The board adopted a resolution saying a community center would be beneficial to its students, but it declared itself neutral on next week’s ballot measure, saying it’s an issue that must be decided by voters.

“The board, by taking this action, supports the concept of a community center,” board Chairwoman Wanda Quinn said. “As for the taxing of individuals, we leave that to those who would be affected.”

City voters will decide next Tuesday whether to raise taxes to pay for a $6.3 million community center. A simple majority is required for passage. The center would cost the owner of a $100,000 home $25 a year in additional taxes for 10 years. Operating costs would be covered by memberships and user fees.

Several fitness club owners have opposed the community center, saying it amounts to publicly subsidized competition. The proposed 60,000-square-foot building would include a competition-size pool, indoor track, gym, climbing wall and multipurpose rooms.

The school board said a commmunity center would help the district support swimming programs, which receive limited backing because no pools are available. The center also would provide positive after-school activities for elementary and middle-school students, the board resolution said.

That’s especially important for middle-school students, Quinn said, pointing out that children in that age group are most at risk of getting into trouble or danger after school.

The district decided to remain neutral because its boundaries extend well beyond the city of Coeur d’Alene, whose voters will decide the issue. Board members said taking a stand on an issue that affects only Coeur d’Alene voters would not be representative of all taxpayers in the school district.

“The Coeur d’Alene School District board of trustees supports the concept of a community center and has an interest in future cooperative agreements to use a pool and other facilities,” the resolution says.

“In essence, if this structure is built, we believe it will add value to the community and the district would explore the multiple partnership opportunities for its use.”