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Pingree-Buchanan Public School District to hold referendum vote Monday, November 21

Buchanan, N.D. – The Pingree-Buchanan Public School District will hold a referendum vote from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Monday, November 21 at the Pingree-Buchanan Elementary School in Buchanan, N.D.

The successful passing of this bond will release $4,500,000 to the school district to be used for an addition and renovation to the elementary school. This project aims to fix space, facility, and safety concerns that the school is facing. Tax impact information is available on the school's website.

P-B Superintendent Amber Krapp said that the process to pursue the addition/renovation stemmed from the need to address various issues with the present Pre-K building, which is the original school structure.

"Last school year, the board and administration held several meetings and discussions regarding the elementary school and the different options available," said Krapp. "Some of the options discussed included moving the sixth grade up to the high school, adding a portable classroom at the elementary, and the upgrade project we are now pursuing."

Krapp added, "Of the three options, the parents and board members decided that it would be best to pursue something that would solve all of the existing issues, would be a long-term solution, and would create something that our district and community could be proud of."

The scope of the project includes:

• Additional Classrooms

• New Media Center

• New Music Room

• Secure Entrance

• New Administration Office Area

• Title I, Special Education, and Counseling Support Spaces

• Upgraded Student Commons

• Separate Bus Drop Off/Pick Up

• North Side Staff Parking

• South Side Student Drop-Off Area

"We are experiencing overcrowding with our current classrooms and spaces," said Krapp. "The staff has done a great job utilizing every square inch of the buildings over the years, but with current enrollment numbers up we need to think about adding some space to adequately serve our students."

This is the first proposed bond referendum for the district in over 60 years. The district has retained Zerr Berg Architects as the project architects.

About Pingree-Buchanan Public Schools

The Pingree-Buchanan Public School district consists of an elementary school located in Buchanan and a high school in Pingree, N.D. The school district aims to instill life-long learning through ownership, respect, and pride in education.

 
 
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