Community Education

Over the past decade, more than three different groups have been hired to examine the challenges of ground settling at the elementary school and propose solutions. Each group proposed similar plans with comparable costs (adjusted for inflation). These proposals resulted from community participation in a six-month study conducted about a year and a half ago. The options for the elementary school ranged from $29 to $48 million. From there, the board refined these proposals to establish the final option to be presented to the taxpayers in a referendum. The school board has worked hard to refine these proposals to meet the district's needs and gain voter support. The project's value is higher due to the inclusion of Long-Term Facility Maintenance Projects. The question is whether hiring a fourth group will yield different results or if continued delays will cause the price to keep rising. The detailed estimates were prepared by our construction manager, RA Morton, with assistance from our architects and engineers at LHB Inc., and other consultants used by the district for roofing and other maintenance issues. A detailed estimate is available on the district’s website. The inflationary values come from these groups and a comparison to projects proposed by other firms in the area, using similar inflationary values. Public projects face the challenge that project documents (including budgets) must be submitted to the Department of Education for review and approval months before the referendum and up to a year before the project documents are ready for bidding. This review provides checks and balances to ensure consistency with other projects across the state (in terms of space programs, square feet per student, and budgets). Concerns regarding bidding are also managed through a controlled process. The design professional creates the bid documents, the district’s attorney reviews the bidding rules, and the construction manager oversees the bid process and bidder qualifications. Inconsistencies are addressed by the district’s attorney, and the entire process is part of the district’s annual audit. This is the same process we use for various purchases at the district, and by statute, we must follow the rules established by the State of Minnesota. Thanks to the many of you for asking questions, visiting the schools, and keeping the conversation constructive, positive and free of offensive language regardless of your position or beliefs. If there are any further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to call our superintendent or any of the school board members.

🍽️ Free Summer Meals for Kids 18 & Under! 🌞 Join us June 10 - July 12, Monday to Friday, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Dine-in only at Elementary & Jr/Sr High. #SummerMeals #DragonPride #CommunitySupport 🥪

Dragon Academy students recently completed their spool redesign project for East Central Energy's Too Spool for School contest. ECE donated two spools from their fiber optic inititiave and an additional $200 for materials. A number of the Dragon Academy students are part of our school's trapshooting team and enjoy other shooting sports as well. When we were brainstorming for our project, they suggested creating a benchrest for target shooting. Pine City is competing against ten other area schools for a $500 prize. Voting is open on East Central Energy's Facebook page from May 13 to May 17. Please vote and share the link widely! “Share” the post on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=833521685466133&set=a.465560768928895 Send the direct voting link: https://forms.office.com/r/pGTQekJU7P

🎉 On May 3, we celebrate our amazing food service heroes at Pine City Schools! 🍎 Thank you for nourishing our minds and bodies every day! #SchoolLunchHeroesDay #ThankYou #YouAreAppreciated 🙌

📰 April District Newsletter is out now! 🐷🦆📚 Get updates on Charlotte's Web, wood ducks, kindergarten, Referendum FAQs, printable calendars, and Senior Spotlight. #DistrictNewsletter #CommunityUpdates 🗞️ https://tinyurl.com/ISD578April24Newsletter

📅 Save the Date! Thursday, April 18, 2024, 5:30-6:30pm 🕠 🏫 Pine City Elementary School Media Center 🎓 Join us for Math Night! Fun-filled activities for grades K-6. #MathNight #FamilyFun 🎲🖥️🔢

🎙️ Excited to unveil Episode 1 of Referendum 2024 Podcast! Tune in now! For complete information about Referendum 2024 visit www.isd578.org/referendum #Referendum2024 #TaxCalculator #Videos #SampleBallot #FAQ #VoteEarly https://youtu.be/55bY-CzXsrA

Join us for an exciting day at Target Field on Saturday, May 25th at 1:10 pm as the Minnesota Twins face off against the Texas Rangers! Tickets start at $26. Support PCPS with $2 from each ticket purchased. Don't miss out! For tickets, visit: https://fevo-enterprise.com/event/PineCity0525. 🎉⚾️ #PineCitySchools #EducationSupport #BaseballGame

Frequently Asked Questions about Facility Referendum 2024 Voting on February 13 When is voting taking place? Voting will be held on February 13 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Where is the voting location? The voting location is Pine City High School, District Boardroom. Enter Door 1 and turn to the left. Signage will be posted. What should I bring with me to vote? Please bring photo identification with you when you come to vote. What is Curbside Voting? Curbside voting is available throughout the duration of the voting period. There will be designated parking for Curbside Voting at Pine City High School. A spotter will be present to identify those who choose Curbside Voting, please honk to gain their attention, and an election official will come to your vehicle with all necessary voting materials. Are there accommodations for individuals with disabilities? Yes, handicap parking spots are available at Pine City High School for voters who require them and are not using the Curbside Voting option. If you have any further questions or need assistance, please contact your local election authorities or visit www.isd578.org/referendum #Referendum2024 #BeInformed #VoteFeb13

🎥 Don't miss the grand finale of our student-produced Facilities Referendum Informational Videos! Hear from staff, students, and board members about Question 3. #Referendum2024 #BeInformed #EarlyVoting #Episode4 #VoteFeb13 🏫✨ https://youtu.be/kVvIZltIpmE

🎥 Exciting news! Check out Episode 3 of our student-made video showcasing the importance of the Facilities Referendum 2024. In just 8 minutes, hear from staff, community members, and school board members discussing special education, community development, maintenance, and renovations. Don't miss it! Learn more about Referendum 2024 at www.isd578.org/referendum #Referendum2024 #BeInformed #EarlyVoting #Episode3 #VoteFeb13 🏫✨ https://youtu.be/BD41vHjwu2k

🗳️ Support Pine City Public Schools on Feb 13! Improve safety, facilities, engage students, and create healthy environments.. Let's invest in our community's future together! Visit www.isd578.org/referendum for complete information including tax calculators, sample ballot, and informational videos. #PineCity #EducationMatters #Referendum2024 #BeInformed #EarlyVoting #VoteFeb13

Check out the February District Newsletter packed with information about what's happening at Pine City Public Schools: Referendum information, HS Parking Lot tips, AAA winners, printable calendars for Feb and March, Banana DNA, PCES I Love to Read Month events, and MORE! Check it out at http://tinyurl.com/Feb24ISD578Newsletter. #Referendum2024 #BeInformed #DistrictNewsletter

📚The proposed Learning Stairs in Question 2 of the 2024 Facility Referendum redefine spaces. They are characterized by wide, deep steps resembling seats or bleachers, it connects the Cafeteria and Media Center. They provide a great space for students to use that offers easy supervision. Embrace the future of versatile, engaging educational spaces! 🚀 #InnovativeSpaces Visit www.isd578.org/referendum for complete information and videos. #Referendum2024 #BeInformed #EarlyVoting #LearningStairs #VoteFeb13

🏫 Presenting plans for Question 3 in the upcoming referendum, with a focus on High School Athletics and PE Addition. Spacious gym, dedicated middle school locker rooms, and enhanced facilities. 🌟 Your support matters! Let's build a better future together. Visit www.isd578.org/referendum for complete information. The image below shows the proposed plans for the PCHS Gymnasium addition. 🏀🏋️‍♀️ #Referendum2024 #BeInformed #EarlyVoting #GymnasiumAddition #VoteFeb13

🎥🗳️ Watch our student-made video delving into the upcoming referendum's Question 1! Architect Troy Miller unveils decisions for a safer learning environment. 🏫 Hear from staff, board members, students, and learn more about the new parent drop-off lane for enhanced safety! Hear more about the ALC location and what it will include to create a great learning space in a space already owned by ISD578. 🚸🌐 #StudentProduced #Referendum2024 #BeInformed #EarlyVoting #VoteFeb13 https://youtu.be/nLUXIriprqg

📚🍎 More About Question 2: Elevating our High School Library/Cafeteria/Special Education spaces! Transforming the Media Center for tailored special education needs, relocating the library for academic synergy, expanding the cafeteria for collaborative learning, and enhancing overall wellness with more windows! 🏫✨ 🌐 The image below highlights Question 2's changes. For more details and a look at a sample ballot visit www.isd578.org/referendum #Referendum2024 #PCHS #BeInformed #EarlyVoting #Question2 #VoteFeb13

🏫 One portion of Question 1 focuses on the high school safe and secure entry renovations which include enhancing school safety with weather and secure vestibules, a reception office, meeting room, new corridors, and level one lockdown doors. Let's create a secure environment for everyone#! 🌐 The image below highlights this specific portion of Question 1. For more details and a look at a sample ballot visit www.isd578.org/referendum # Referendum2024 #PCHS #BeInformed #EarlyVoting #Question1 #VoteFeb13

Wonder about Referendum Question 2! Here are some highlights! 🗳️ Relocate Special Ed to a central location, move Media Center for accessibility, add Learning Stairs, and bring more light with additional windows. The image below highlights the impact of your vote on each of the three questions. For more details and a look at a sample ballot visit www.isd578.org/referendum # Referendum2024 #PCHS #BeInformed #EarlyVoting #Question2 #VoteFeb13

🏢 Curious about the proposed Area Learning Center & District Storage/Vehicle Maintenance site? Secure main entry, labs, classrooms, and more! Learn about the project, its potential, and how it benefits our community. Visit www.isd578.org/referendum for more details. #Referendum2024 #PCALC #BeInformed #EarlyVoting #Question1 #VoteFeb13