CVSD Prioritizes Student Performing Arts
Central Valley School District remains a strong supporter of the performing arts, which is evident in our growing drama and choral programs. The district’s musical and theatrical performances have been expanding the last several years at Central Valley, Mica Peak, Ridgeline, and University High School, not to mention our middle and elementary schools—creating infinite possibilities for our students to explore.
This growth, coupled with our schools starting a week earlier this year, and therefore all the activities that go with that, can make accommodating schedules difficult at times. Summer break is roughly mid-June to mid-to-late August (only 70 days in 2025). Our first and foremost responsibility is to our students participating in the performing arts, which must take priority over community event use.
The district recently made minor adjustments to Spokane Valley Summer Theatre’s (SVST) request for community facility use next summer in order to prioritize the high school theatre’s student use for nine of the requested days. Our schools, especially in recent years, have consistently sought ways to engage students most of the year round, including summer camps, and we must prioritize their use of our school facilities as this is the primary purpose for which they were built.
CVSD partnered with SVST since its inaugural 2016 season, providing significant access to our theatre and music facilities each summer. This professional theatre has been thriving over the years, and with that success came an increase in our facility use more than doubling from 34 days in the summer of 2023 to 74 days in the summer 2024.
Since the summer of 2024, CVSD continued to honor confirmed reservations and provide substantial access to our school facilities:
- Summer 2024 (June 1 – August 16): SVST was scheduled for 74 out of 77 possible days.
- Summer 2025 (June 1 – August 17): SVST was scheduled for 76 out of 78 possible days.
- Summer 2026 (June 1 – August 16): The district offered 66 out of 77 possible days. Nine requested days were declined to accommodate University High School’s student theatre programs and the earlier start to the school year. Some times and room locations were also adjusted to ensure student programs could take place; however, SVST’s reservation still maintained substantial use of the theatre space.
The Central Valley High School theatre could not be used instead of University High School due to CVHS student programs, SVST’s need for upgraded technical equipment, previous wear and tear on the facilities, and construction on Sullivan at the school affecting all three entrances in summer 2026. The Ridgeline High School theatre was not an option due to SVST's staging requirements.
Reflecting the district’s ongoing commitment to partnership and collaboration, while balancing the needs of our own expanding student program schedules, almost a year in advance, we communicated scheduling details and adjustments throughout the fall. At no time did the district indicate that SVST’s reservation could not be guaranteed; rather, scheduling adjustments were made to accommodate student programs and align with the academic calendar.
As our community partner, SVST benefited from substantial facility-use discounts since 2016—typically between 50% and 60% below the actual cost to operate and staff the theatre. Beginning in 2025, fees were updated to reflect the true costs of hosting performances, including custodial services, district theatre technicians, and increasing utilities needed to operate and cool the space throughout the summer when school is not in session, in alignment with district policies and procedures.
The district in no way wishes to become a burden on any of our community partners. However, we cannot provide a gift of public funds toward our community partners either. The district has been and continues to be flexible in providing accommodations in the scheduling of alternative spaces whenever available—with student use taking the priority. We welcome community groups to utilize district facilities when available and in accordance with district policies and procedures.
We wish nothing but the best for Spokane Valley Summer Theatre and are hopeful they will be able to raise the rest of the funds to provide for their own theatre space. The Idaho Central Spokane Valley Performing Arts Center would be an asset and a welcome addition to our Valley community.
Thank you for understanding our continued commitment to our students as our top priority.
Updated November 3, 2025