Here’s what a new building will mean to this Ammon charter school
Published at
AMMON — A new building at White Pine Charter School will “enhance learning” for students and make life easier for administrators. Dozens of students, administrators and Ammon city officials braved the rain and chill Thursday morning for the groundbreaking.
Located at 2959 John Adams Parkway in Ammon, the new facility will offer the nearby elementary school more classrooms, administrative offices and the White Pine STEM Academy, which is currently on 1st Street. The STEM Academy serves students in middle school, junior high and high school.
The state-of-the-art facility is going to cost around $9 million to complete. However, because charter schools aren’t funded by taxpayers’ money, White Pine secured a bond from private investors to fund the project, according to Jamie Toop, director of finance.
“It doesn’t affect the local taxpayers,” Chris Kula, chairman of the board of directors added.
White Pine administrators said they were looking forward to having offices on campus with the schools.
“Right now, I try to go back and forth. I’ve got a vice principal that goes back and forth (from 1st Street) … coming together is going to be a really great thing,” Ron Cote, director of schools for White Pine, told EastIdahoNews.com. “It’s going to create a better teaching and learning experience.”
“Learning is easier, more technology is accessible and (it’s) just a better environment,” Kula said.
The building will be about 33,000 square feet and accommodate about 160 students in 13 classrooms. It will also have a gym and a common area.
“I think it’s great for the kids,” Kula said. “It’ll enhance learning and help grow the community, too.”
Cote, Toop and Kula expressed appreciation for the understanding and cooperation they received from the city of Ammon.
“We’re grateful for the City Council, who got over some hurdles and … got things in place so we could open in the fall,” Cote said. “They helped us get through some stuff.”
White Pine Charter School officials say the project should be completed by July 2024 so students can start the 2024-2025 school year in the new facility.