Boundary County to close school

The Boundary County School Board announced Thursday it will close Evergreen Elementary School in Moyie Springs, Idaho, to offset a $250,000 budget deficit.

Teachers and staff will meet today to plan how to move forward, said Evergreen Principal Jim Nash. Nash also serves as the principal for Naples and Mt. Hall elementary schools.

Families from Evergreen have the option to send their children to any of the other three elementary schools in the district, Mt. Hall, Naples or Valley View. Open enrollment forms are available at the district office. The other schools will be able to accommodate 102 Evergreen students. “It was a tough decision for everyone. It’s such a sad day,” Nash said.

Teachers from Evergreen will be moved according to where kids go, he said. Some positions such as secretarial and library staff will be eliminated.

Initially at Thursday’s meeting the board discussed whether to ask voters for the money. A levy motion, however, didn’t pass a board vote.