Dear Community Members: With just a few days left until the May 14th Special Election, we want to ensure everyone is informed about the upcoming school district facility referendum and its impact on our students, parents, and community. Early vot- ing continues through Monday, May 13th, at the Pine County Courthouse, with extended hours on Saturday, May 11th from 9a-3p. The voting day is Tuesday, May 14th, at the Pine City High School from 7a-8p. The Board has a final tour and presentation scheduled for the public on Wednesday, May 8th at 6:30p at the Elementary School Multi-Purpose Room. We invite all to attend to be informed of the needs of the district facilities and the why behind this referendum. District-wide Maintenance Projects: The current maintenance projects exceed the monies that can be accessed by state law. Without additional financial support, money will need to be taken from the general fund, which is saved to spend on teaching and learning. Long-term maintenance issues will be addressed: Roofing and wall replacement/repairs Mechanical system upgrades Electrical and plumbing upgrades, currently not to code Recommended classroom size and adequate learning spaces for all learners Elementary School Needs: At the Elementary School, the greatest issue is the continued structural failures of the 1962 wing, currently the 1st grade, lunchroom, and ECFE/PreK area. The proposed referendum will provide an opportunity to: Redesign the site to minimize traffic congestion for drop off and pick up and increase student safety Create a safe and secure front entry with one main entrance and school-wide security. Expand the Preschool Program Improve the cafeteria, kitchen, and serving area. Expand restrooms and update for adequate plumbing. .Replace the mechanical systems, and ensure noise reduction school-wide. Provide better lighting and improve energy efficiency. Update utilities, which will in turn, save the district money to be used for teaching and learning High School Needs: To avoid the district having to come back to the community in 10 years to update already needed fixes at the High School, the High School facility needs have been included in the one question on the referendum ballot. The district has been digging into alternative financial options, such as a recently approved grant for restroom updates. We will continue to search for outside-the-box financial opportunities for our district. Improvements to the High School include: .Adding Safe and Secure entries and building-wide security *Improved cafeteria, with adequate seating for all .Adequate, functional space for our Special Education Program .Localize and downsize the Media Center to open space for SPED -Added natural light ALC-Alternative Learning Center The ALC has been leasing space located at the Pine City Civic Center in what was intended to be Hockey Locker Rooms. The current lease has expired. Over 10 years ago, the district purchased the lot across from the High School that was once Car Truck City. Currently, over 40% of Pine City students use the ALC for credit recovery, alternative education options, and to make up coursework for circumstantial absences. Improvements to the ALC include: . Utilizing a district-owned space and eliminating lease payments. Moving the ALC to the new site will allow expanding programs and student support . Updated utilities and facility systems Space for District storage for outdoor and maintenance equipment The district needs updates to provide safe, adequate, functional spaces for teaching and learning for our students, staff, and community in the years to come. Please be sure to vote early or on May 14th, 2024. Thank you! Sincerely, Dr Cindy Stolp, Superintendent PINE CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS PREPARING OUR STUDENTS FOR THE FUTURE www.150578.ORG Dear Community Members : With just a few days left until the May 14th Special Election , we want to ensure everyone is informed about the upcoming school district facility referendum and its impact on our students , parents , and community . Early vot- ing continues through Monday , May 13th , at the Pine County Courthouse , with extended hours on Saturday , May 11th from 9a - 3p . The voting day is Tuesday , May 14th , at the Pine City High School from 7a - 8p . The Board has a final tour and presentation scheduled for the public on Wednesday , May 8th at 6 : 30p at the Elementary School Multi - Purpose Room . We invite all to attend to be informed of the needs of the district facilities and the why behind this referendum . District - wide Maintenance Projects : The current maintenance projects exceed the monies that can be accessed by state law . Without additional financial support , money will need to be taken from the general fund , which is saved to spend on teaching and learning . Long - term maintenance issues will be addressed : Roofing and wall replacement / repairs Mechanical system upgrades Electrical and plumbing upgrades , currently not to code Recommended classroom size and adequate learning spaces for all learners Elementary School Needs : At the Elementary School , the greatest issue is the continued structural failures of the 1962 wing , currently the 1st grade , lunchroom , and ECFE / PreK area . The proposed referendum will provide an opportunity to : Redesign the site to minimize traffic congestion for drop off and pick up and increase student safety Create a safe and secure front entry with one main entrance and school - wide security . Expand the Preschool Program Improve the cafeteria , kitchen , and serving area . Expand restrooms and update for adequate plumbing . .Replace the mechanical systems , and ensure noise reduction school - wide . Provide better lighting and improve energy efficiency . Update utilities , which will in turn , save the district money to be used for teaching and learning High School Needs : To avoid the district having to come back to the community in 10 years to update already needed fixes at the High School , the High School facility needs have been included in the one question on the referendum ballot . The district has been digging into alternative financial options , such as a recently approved grant for restroom updates . We will continue to search for outside - the - box financial opportunities for our district . Improvements to the High School include : .Adding Safe and Secure entries and building - wide security * Improved cafeteria , with adequate seating for all .Adequate , functional space for our Special Education Program .Localize and downsize the Media Center to open space for SPED -Added natural light ALC - Alternative Learning Center The ALC has been leasing space located at the Pine City Civic Center in what was intended to be Hockey Locker Rooms . The current lease has expired . Over 10 years ago , the district purchased the lot across from the High School that was once Car Truck City . Currently , over 40 % of Pine City students use the ALC for credit recovery , alternative education options , and to make up coursework for circumstantial absences . Improvements to the ALC include : . Utilizing a district - owned space and eliminating lease payments . Moving the ALC to the new site will allow expanding programs and student support . Updated utilities and facility systems Space for District storage for outdoor and maintenance equipment The district needs updates to provide safe , adequate , functional spaces for teaching and learning for our students , staff , and community in the years to come . Please be sure to vote early or on May 14th , 2024 . Thank you ! Sincerely , Dr Cindy Stolp , Superintendent PINE CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS PREPARING OUR STUDENTS FOR THE FUTURE www.150578.ORG