News
July 15, 2025

NICA Finalizes Land, Construction Starts in Sept

Caroline Raffetto

BONNERS FERRY, Idaho — A major milestone for the North Idaho Classical Academy (NICA) is officially in the books, as the academy wraps up the final paperwork on a purchase and sale agreement that secures a crucial piece of land for its new campus — a project local leaders say will help shape the future of the community for decades to come.

On July 8, NICA officials and representatives from Idaho Forest Group (IFG), acting on behalf of landowner Marc Brinkmeyer, closed the deal to transfer 5 acres and the old planer building, a site with deep ties to Bonners Ferry’s industrial past. The land sits within an 80-acre mixed-use redevelopment zone behind the Boundary County Fairgrounds, which city planners envision transforming into a vibrant new hub for learning, family life, and business.

"We recognized pretty immediately that this is a great way to anchor that property and have a solid partner that can set an example of how that area can be developed," said Tera King, IFG resource analyst who guided the agreement to the finish line. King praised NICA’s “experience, passion and momentum,” adding that the city of Bonners Ferry also deserves credit for helping the project clear important zoning and code hurdles.

For NICA president Jacob Francom, the deal represents a careful balance of growth and stewardship of local history. The site was originally developed as a sawmill over a century ago, and as part of the agreement, the academy will preserve various historical landmarks and artifacts, ensuring students and families understand the roots of the community.

"We have a great architect," Francom said, outlining the vision for the one-story school building with a modern interior, designed to open its doors in time for the 2026 school year. He emphasized the urgency to break ground in early September, to ensure crews can continue interior work through the winter months, avoiding seasonal construction delays that are common in northern Idaho. Local contractors will handle the 10-month construction timeline, keeping the project’s benefits close to home.

"It is imperative to start construction in early September, so interior construction will be possible during the winter," Francom said.

NICA leaders say the project goes far beyond just building a school. As the anchor tenant for the broader 80-acre redevelopment zone, the academy’s presence is expected to attract additional investment, help shape surrounding infrastructure, and provide new educational choices for Boundary County families.

Francom called Marc Brinkmeyer’s team a “tremendous” partner throughout the negotiation process, highlighting their commitment to seeing the site used in ways that benefit the entire community.

Once open, the new campus will be home to classrooms, learning labs, gathering spaces, and community rooms that can serve multiple uses. Early concept plans include outdoor spaces and the potential for future expansions if enrollment demands it.

"We’re excited to see this project come to life and to show what’s possible when partners share the same vision for responsible growth," King said.

Families interested in the new campus can follow progress updates and enrollment timelines through the academy’s website and community meetings planned for this fall.

Originally reported by Krem News.

News
July 15, 2025

NICA Finalizes Land, Construction Starts in Sept

Caroline Raffetto
New Project
Idaho

BONNERS FERRY, Idaho — A major milestone for the North Idaho Classical Academy (NICA) is officially in the books, as the academy wraps up the final paperwork on a purchase and sale agreement that secures a crucial piece of land for its new campus — a project local leaders say will help shape the future of the community for decades to come.

On July 8, NICA officials and representatives from Idaho Forest Group (IFG), acting on behalf of landowner Marc Brinkmeyer, closed the deal to transfer 5 acres and the old planer building, a site with deep ties to Bonners Ferry’s industrial past. The land sits within an 80-acre mixed-use redevelopment zone behind the Boundary County Fairgrounds, which city planners envision transforming into a vibrant new hub for learning, family life, and business.

"We recognized pretty immediately that this is a great way to anchor that property and have a solid partner that can set an example of how that area can be developed," said Tera King, IFG resource analyst who guided the agreement to the finish line. King praised NICA’s “experience, passion and momentum,” adding that the city of Bonners Ferry also deserves credit for helping the project clear important zoning and code hurdles.

For NICA president Jacob Francom, the deal represents a careful balance of growth and stewardship of local history. The site was originally developed as a sawmill over a century ago, and as part of the agreement, the academy will preserve various historical landmarks and artifacts, ensuring students and families understand the roots of the community.

"We have a great architect," Francom said, outlining the vision for the one-story school building with a modern interior, designed to open its doors in time for the 2026 school year. He emphasized the urgency to break ground in early September, to ensure crews can continue interior work through the winter months, avoiding seasonal construction delays that are common in northern Idaho. Local contractors will handle the 10-month construction timeline, keeping the project’s benefits close to home.

"It is imperative to start construction in early September, so interior construction will be possible during the winter," Francom said.

NICA leaders say the project goes far beyond just building a school. As the anchor tenant for the broader 80-acre redevelopment zone, the academy’s presence is expected to attract additional investment, help shape surrounding infrastructure, and provide new educational choices for Boundary County families.

Francom called Marc Brinkmeyer’s team a “tremendous” partner throughout the negotiation process, highlighting their commitment to seeing the site used in ways that benefit the entire community.

Once open, the new campus will be home to classrooms, learning labs, gathering spaces, and community rooms that can serve multiple uses. Early concept plans include outdoor spaces and the potential for future expansions if enrollment demands it.

"We’re excited to see this project come to life and to show what’s possible when partners share the same vision for responsible growth," King said.

Families interested in the new campus can follow progress updates and enrollment timelines through the academy’s website and community meetings planned for this fall.

Originally reported by Krem News.