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.
📚✏️ 2024-2025 School Supply Lists are out! 📝✨ Find Grades K-6 here: https://5il.co/2ras1 📖 and Grades 7-12 here: https://5il.co/2rauq 🎒📘 #SchoolSupplies #ReadyToLearn #2024SchoolYear #DragonPride
2nd graders in Mrs. Sjoblom's summer class:
🗺️ Students explored and created their own maps of Voyageur Park.
👃🌿 Went on a sensory nature scavenger hunt.
🪺 Built bird nests to protect their "eggs."
🌼🦋 Visited the Pine City Discovery Garden on the way.
#SummerFun #NatureExplorers #VoyageurPark #DiscoveryGarden #LearningOutdoors
🚐 Ms. Sylvester and her students took an awesome field trip to Cabina Cafe! 🌯☕ Jonah showed the students how to whip up some refreshing drinks and delicious breakfast burritos. This fun trip tied perfectly into our summer theme of smoothie and breakfast food truck math! 📚🍓 #FieldTripFun #SummerLearning #CabinaCafe #SmoothieMath #BreakfastBurritos
🍽️ 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 🥪
Iris L. (not pictured), Bennett K., Branson N., and Hayden M. presented at the School Board meeting Monday night on the Problem Solving Leadership Team (PSLT). A group of leaders from each grade 3-6 were selected in September and have been solving problems in their school with critical thinking resolutions ever since. #PCES #DragonLeaders #PSLT #ProblemSolving #DragonPride
🍽️ 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
🥇 Pine City Elementary Knowledge Bowl Team 1 took first place at the home meet! 🏆 The students competed against teams from Pine City, Mora, and Rush City, answering questions about math, literature, science, and more. Congratulations Boden, Makenna, Olivia, Ryker, Max, and Hazel! 🎉 #KnowledgeBowl #PCES #Congratulations #TeamWork #BrainPower
🎪 Celebrating tradition! Pine City Elementary's Kindergarten Circus wowed with tiger tamers, dancing bears, trained seals, tumblers, and more. This year there were special presentations honoring Mrs. Cahill's retirement! 🎉 #KindergartenCircus #PCES 🎈
🎉 PCES 1st graders celebrated their 120th day of school! Students demonstrated this special day in various ways. 📚 #PCES #FirstGrade #SchoolDays #MilestoneCelebration 🎈
📚🎉 Exciting celebration of PCES I Love to Read month! Students worked hard, entered into drawings. Special thanks to Ms. Lundholm & generous donors: Walmart, Oak Park Dental, Embrace Orthodontics. #PCESReads #DragonReaders 🐉
🤼♂️📣 Dragon wrestlers and cheerleaders rocked the final meet and greet of March Mania week with elementary students this morning! #CommunityEngagement #MarchMania #DragonPride 📸
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
🐉🏀 Dragon Boys' Basketball players had a blast meeting elementary students this morning! Check out these photos from our March Mania week! #CommunityEngagement #MarchMania #DragonPride 📸
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
