Nampa explores options to help homeless students

The Nampa School District is trying to come up with a new plan for a shelter for homeless students, after one plan fell through this summer.

The district had planned to allow a local nonprofit group, The Community Builder, to convert an abandoned school into housing for 20 students, the Idaho Press-Tribune reported Saturday. A lease was effective May, but was rescinded a month later, because administrators had signed the agreement before going to the school board for approval, the Press-Tribune reported.

The plan to convert the abandoned school building was itself controversial. Supporters said the housing would fill an important need, the Press-Tribune reported. Critics cited several concerns — including liability issues and a potential impact on area property values.

The district now has two committees at work, spokeswoman Kathleen Tuck told the Press-Tribune. One committee is looking at what the district should do with vacant properties, while the second is looking at what the district should do for its homeless students.

Kevin Richert

Kevin Richert

Senior reporter and blogger Kevin Richert specializes in education politics and education policy. He has more than 30 years of experience in Idaho journalism. He is a frequent guest on "Idaho Reports" on Idaho Public Television and "Idaho Matters" on Boise State Public Radio. Follow Kevin on Twitter: @KevinRichert. He can be reached at [email protected]

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