WHITMORE ACADEMY
A Classical Education Charter School
FOUNDING BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Whitmore Academy is overseen by Siuslaw Valley Charter School, a 501c3 non-profit organization
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Kay King
President
Mrs. King has volunteered since she first came to Florence as an educator in 1969.
She and her husband, Bob, raised her family in Florence. Mrs. King has a passion to make all things she is involved in the best they can be. Her interests include music and the arts, forestry education, sports, enriching lives, and her grandchildren, all of whom graduated (or are currently graduating) from Siuslaw High School.
Her passion for teaching and learning
instilled the desire to make a charter school a reality for the greater Florence area.
Heather Hammon Stafford
Vice President
Mrs. Hammon is a long-standing community member with deep roots going back several generations. She actively works in the community in early childhood education. She has a special interest in school choice and bringing a variety of educational opportunities to the community she holds dear to her heart. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with family, crafting, and gardening..
Aric Sneddon
Director
Mr. Sneddon is an active member of the community having served on numerous local boards and charitable organizations such as Florence Habitat for Humanity and the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Sneddon focuses his time on affordable housing and developing more opportunities for the families of the Siuslaw Valley to attain a higher quality education. Mr. Sneddon is also the proud father of two.
Chase Olson
Treasurer
Mr. Olson grew up in a small town in central Washington where he participated in team sports from T-ball to high school football. After graduating he joined the US Navy and excelled in his rank as Hull Maintenance Technician Fireman on the aircraft carrier, U.S.S Nimitz. This is where he learned the importance of the trades. After the Navy, Mr. Olson settled in Florence to help run the family business. He is married with one son.
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Donna Heinen
Secretary
Mrs. Heinen has worked in the field of education as a pre-school teacher for 5 years and a Good News teacher for 25 years including a middle school program. She also was a Deacon of Education at her church for 7 years. She likes to think that she is a lifelong learner and would like every child to become one also.
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Chuck Trent
Director
Mr. Trent brings thirty-five years of experience as a corporate executive and business owner to the board. Most recently Chuck retired after serving seven years as the Chief Executive Officer for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Lane County in Florence. Chuck has a deep commitment to fostering learning and personal growth in young people. His passion is creating opportunities for youth that stem from skills in critical thinking and problem solving. He believes every child deserves the opportunity for a great future that is deeply rooted in classical education. Chuck believes school choice is the key to unlocking opportunity for the youth in our community, no matter their circumstance.
Larry Martindale
Director
Mr. Larry Martindale holds a Masters Degree in Education from the University of Oregon and completed his Administrative Certification in 1992. He also has a degree in Physical Education and a minor in Health. His tenure in education covered 38 years as a Teacher, Educational Consultant and as an Elementary, Middle and High School Administrator. The latter portion of his career was spent as the Middle and High School Principal in Florence. He served on the Board with the Boys and Girls Club of Western Lane County. He and his wife have resided in the Florence area for the past 24 years and have three children.
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Crystal Osburn
Event Planner
Mrs. Osburn has lived in the Florence area for over 10 years and is committed to improving the community in which she lives. She has served in the Siuslaw School District for over 7 years working directly with students in the classroom, as well as in an administrative role in the front office. She has been active in the PTA and served as PTA President. She has a passion and a strong skillset for fundraising and event planning and has acquired crucial funding for school and community organizations in Florence.
Kathy Ward
Consultant
Mrs. Ward is experienced in teaching at elementary and middle school levels. She has also been a local District Administrator in the middle school as vice-principal, and as principal. She retired as the Director of Support Services for the Siuslaw School District. Her three children have all attended school here in Florence, and her husband has held various political position and is currently Mayor of Florence. Mrs. Ward looks forward to bringing this greatly needed classical education choice to the greater Florence area.
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Jodi O'Mara
Consultant
Mrs. O'Mara retired in 2022 after 30+ years in education. She has lived in and served the Florence and Mapleton communities for 28 years as a teacher, coach, and superintendent. Mrs. O'Mara has a passion for education and is a firm believer in providing educational opportunities and choice for all families. ​
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