Charter school to be built in Park City

(Park Record) State education officials have approved plans to create the first charter school in the Park City area. The Weilenmann School of Discovery is expected to open in Pinebrook August 2010.

"It's a big undertaking but we're getting a great response and a lot of enthusiasm and a lot of parents very excited to bring their children," said Merry Fusselmann, president of the Weilenmann School of Discovery Board of Trustees.

She said she hopes the school begins with about 550 students in kindergarten through the fifth grade.

"We are building a charter school that will eventually be for (kindergarten through eighth grade,)" Fusselmann said. "We are a tuition-free public school that is independent of a school district."

The Weilenmann calendar will align with the Park City School District's and the school year begins Aug. 23, 2010, she said.

The public funds independently operated charter schools with state and federal tax monies, Fusselmann explained.

"Charter schools are very popular throughout the whole United States," she said.

Parkite Anne-Marie Buckland said her child will attend the Weilenmann School of Discovery.

"Our school is starting to fill up," said Buckland, who helps recruit students to Weilenmann. "And this community really needs this choice in education."

A nationwide search has helped narrow the field of applicants vying to be principal of the Weilenmann school to two, she explained.

"That's going to be a big deal," Buckland said.

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