Despite outcry from students, parents, Nampa high schools officially move graduation to campus football fields

By Eric Fink

CREATED Mar. 5, 2013

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  • Eric Fink has this "On Your Side" follow-up Video by IdahoOnYourSide.com

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Only four days after the district notified students and parents graduation would not be at the Idaho Center for the first time in close to a decade, Tuesday, the three Nampa public high schools began finalizing plans to move graduation ceremonies to its football fields this spring.

In the midst of a budget crisis, the school district says the move to hold graduation on campus will save Columbia, Skyview and Nampa Highs a combined $12,000.

Some students hope the district will reverse its decision if seniors and parents say can raise the money to rent out the Idaho Center through private donations and fundraisers.
 
"Currently we don't have $12,000 that's been offered to sponsor that," school district spokeswoman Allison Westfall said. "Certainly if individuals have that available and want to bring it forward, I know the school principals would be interested in talking with them."

Today's 6 and FOX 9 could not find any evidence of money raised to keep the graduation ceremonies at the Idaho Center.

Rosanna Kinney is one of the many proud moms who says she doesn't care where she witnesses her daughter's graduation, but she's mostly unhappy with families finding out about this change in March. 

"Where do the kids come into play at this?," Kinney wondered. "Aren't they supposed to be considered first? This is about our children. I don't care where we have it. I don't care if its at the Idaho Center or the school. We should make it as comfortable and memorable as possible."

Westfall maintains the memories will still last a lifetime.

"Graduation outside the venue change will be very much as it is in the past," Westfall said. "No other changes. Students will graduate, they'll receive their diplomas, family members will be present to watch. They'll be speeches and the honoring."

According to Westfall no tickets are required for an outdoor graduation ceremony.

The school district told the "On Your Side" newsroom it decided not to renew its contract with the Idaho Center. However, the venue's general manager, Craig Baltzer, says he has not heard anything definitive from the district.