Organizers outline Whitmore Classical Academy plan, cite $2.02M purchase and $4M build‑out

Whitmore Classical Academy board members presented the charter school's plan and timeline to the Dune City Council on Nov. 19. Kate Keane, who identified herself as board chair, said the charter will operate under Titusville Valley Charter School as a public, nonreligious charter and will open tuition‑free to all students.

Chuck Trent, who identified himself as the board treasurer and a Dune City resident, outlined the project’s real‑estate and construction finances: “We’re purchasing the building for $2,020,000,” he said, and described a two‑phase build‑out with phase 1 (interior program for K–5) estimated at about $2.3 million and a phase 2 exterior campaign of roughly $1.8 million. He added that construction is expected to begin in January with a mid‑July completion for phase 1.

The presenters described an enrollment plan that would open kindergarten through third grade the first year, expand one grade each year to reach K–8, and use a public, transparent lottery if applications exceed seats. They said the school expects to open with a capacity of about 156 students (two kindergarten sections and additional sections through third grade) and reported an intent‑to‑enroll list of roughly 100 children representing about 70 families.

On staffing and curriculum, presenters said about 50% of hires will be traditionally certified teachers and the remainder eligible for charter‑commission certification; classrooms will limit cell‑phone use while allowing staff to use smart boards and tablets for instruction. The board also reported community fundraising of roughly $1.14 million raised in recent months.

Council members asked about electronic device policies and the studies cited in presenters’ packet materials. Presenters said classroom devices will be managed for instruction only and defended their choice of comparative statistics, citing external studies. The council thanked the presenters; no formal council action was required at the meeting.