Idaho Youth ChalleNGe Academy update

By Carmen Syed

Derek Newland, Director of the Idaho Youth ChalleNGe Academy (IDYCA) of Pierce, spoke to attendees at the recent Pierce-Weippe Chamber of Commerce meeting, held on July 10 at the Pierce Community Center.

Mr. Newland gave an update on the progress of getting the Academy property ready for receiving students in January 2014. Ground is being moved and prepared for the modulars that will house the students. These modulars will begin arriving in mid-August. In addition, the interior and exterior is in the process of being painted, and new carpet will be installed in the next week. A new sign was printed by Express Name Tags and More of Weippe, and Logistics Manager, Harv Nelson installed it in front of the school grounds this last week.

In addition, the IDYCA has advertised for 20 new positions recently, including Cadre Team Leaders, Case Managers and Counselors. Interviews have begun for the Cadre Team Leaders, which will be on-staff in the next couple of weeks. There were many that are interviewing from the local area, but housing will need to be secured for those from out-of-town.

The Academy’s Administrative Assistant, Carmen Syed, is taking over the City of Pierce’s efforts in developing a detailed list of rental properties in the area for these new hires. She has made personal contact this week with those on the existing list, to update the availability. However, any rental property owners that have not been contacted are encouraged to call the Academy at 208-464-1253 to be included on the rental list. The new Human Resource Assistant, Cheryl McIntosh of Pierce, has also recently been hired, and will start work soon. She will be assisting in the housing effort for the new hires.

Things are rapidly moving forward with the Academy, and it is an exciting time for our town, county and the youth of our great state!