New charter school finds permanent home

The Idaho Falls Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing Tuesday night to hear concerns regarding the possibility of a new charter school leasing the O. E. Bell building.

According to Alturas International Academy’s board member and treasurer Collin Hunter, the hearing went smoothly.

“No one from the public had any concerns. However, we had a neighborhood meeting with our architect prior to the hearing. And we discussed with the neighbors any issues, and our architect addressed them,” Hunter said.

Hunter also said all of the businesses that currently occupy the O.E. Bell building will also be leaving aside from the Arugula Deli, which will stay and offer students lunches and will be open to the public.

The building currently houses local businesses and is located in a residential area near the Museum of Idaho.

Hunter said the O.E. Bell building will still need to be renovated.

“So ‘Building Hope,’ a nonprofit will purchase it and they will lease it to us until we build up our enrollment. And then we will purchase it from them when we are able to afford it,” Hunter said.

Hunter said the project will take two years.

“We anticipate a year to remodel and the property is expected to close this fall. It should be ready by 2017 or 2018.”

Alturas International Academy will be hosted this fall in the former Melaleuca building on South Yellowstone Highway in Idaho Falls which is now The Grand Teton Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

A public hearing concerning the school’s temporary location is scheduled Aug. 2. at 7 p.m.