CHAFE 150 donates $50k to LPOSD

By Cameron Rasmusson
Reader Staff

Biking enthusiasts love CHAFE 150 for a beautiful and enjoyable route. Following a donation to Lake Pend Oreille School District, parents of autistic children have reason to love the bike race, too.

CHAFE 150 hands over a check for $50,000 to Lake Pend Oreille School District at the Sandpoint Rotary Club meeting Wednesday. Pictured from left to right: Sean Woodward, Jane Huang, Paula Hall, Brad Williams, Joy Jensen, Mel Dick, Elana Westphal and Pierce Smith. Photo by Ben Olson.

Sandpoint Rotary Club, the sponsoring organization for CHAFE 150, presented school officials with a $50,000 check Wednesday. The money will go toward the school district’s programs and professional development supporting students with autism.

“We’re absolutely trend-setters and on the cutting edge with services for these students,” said LPOSD Superintendent Shawn Woodward.

The district’s teaching model emphasizes improving the senses with which people on the autistic spectrum struggle. By working with autistic students early on, LPOSD staff are able to dramatically improve students’ social skills and increase their employment opportunities after high school.

“Some of these students are considered very high-functioning,” Woodward said. “They just need a little push.”

Thanks to the CHAFE 150 event, they’ll get that push. This was the most successful year yet for the bike race, meaning that the district’s school programs should have a long life span ahead.