Looking for ways to cut costs during an ongoing financial crisis, the Nampa School District announced earlier this month that it was scrapping plans to hold high school graduation ceremonies at the Idaho Center this year in order to save about $12,000.
But after students raised concerns about guest capacity at the school campuses — if inclement weather forced ceremonies inside — community groups stepped up to solve the problem.
School officials say the district received three contributions totaling $9,800 from: the Nampa High School Booster Club and Above; and Beyond Home Health & Absolute Home Health of Canyon County; and chemistry teacher Jim Kusterer. The rest of the money will be provided through the sharing of revenue from parking fees collected by the Idaho Center during the three graduations, so no district or schools funds will be used to pay for the center.
“We appreciate the support of different groups and the Idaho Center to allow the graduations to go forward as originally planned,” said Dr. Tom Michaelson, Nampa School District superintendent, in a press release Thursday. “The many expressions of support from the community have been a boost to our students and teachers during these difficult times.”
School graduation ceremonies have not been held at school campuses since 2003. The advantage of the Idaho Center? It’s an all-weather facility with plentiful seating and parking.
Graduation dates and times:
- Nampa High School, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 22.
- Skyview High School, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 23.
- Columbia High School, 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 24.
Kudos to their success!
As the parent of a Skyview High School senior, I would like to thank those that donated money to make this happen and thank the Idaho Center for their support as well. My daughter and I were very concerned about the capacity of the football field at Skyview. We have numerous family members who are traveling to come to this graduation. We don’t have a huge family, like many in the area, but we were still going to need to seat 16 people for this ceremony. Thank you again for your generosity!