May 2025

"Successful Day of Caring"

Kurt Stumpf, Superintendent

 

Over 600 students, staff, and volunteers from Pequot Lakes High School gave back to communities and residents on Wednesday, May 7, during the Day of Caring.  Residents, businesses, and other organizations in Pequot Lakes, Crosslake, Nisswa, Breezy Point, Jenkins, and Ideal Corners were assisted with site cleanup and other various projects for a couple of hours. 

Thank you to Aaron Nelson, high school principal, for organizing the event, along with the support from bus drivers and school staff.  Parents also were gracious in donating rakes, bags, leaf blowers, and other equipment used for projects.  Patriot Pride!
       

May 2025

"Staff Recognition - Educators of Excellence"

Kurt Stumpf, Superintendent

 

These Educators of Excellence were recognized at a banquet on Wednesday, April 30.

Teachers of Excellence
 

Cory Kralovetz (left) is completing his third year as a Special Education teacher at Eagle View.  Cory’s calm and caring demeanor is instrumental in helping students learn and enjoy school. Mr. K.’s ability to hold students accountable without diminishing their self-worth is truly remarkable—he creates an environment where students feel supported but also challenged to do their best.

Teri Peterson (center) is completing her 13th year as a Speech-Language Pathologist in the district.  She is representing the middle school.  Teri is extremely dedicated to serving students, helping to enhance their communication skills, and this year taught a class in sign language because of students' high interest.

Kristen Gabrielson (right) is in her 18th year at the high school, teaching Family and Consumer Science.  She has continuously built an outstanding FACS program, including culinary and child development, since starting in 2007.  Mrs. Gabrielson creates a welcoming environment for her students and shares her passion for learning.  Her persistent positive attitude and willingness to engage students have led her program to expand considerably in the past several years.  

 

Pillars of Excellence

   

Lynn Alberts (left) has worked at Eagle View for 12 years as a paraprofessional.  She brings a positive and caring approach to working with students.  She has served in various roles both in the Title program and Special Education.

Andrea Nelson (center) has been the Community Education Youth Coordinator for 15 years.  She has been instrumental in growing the opportunities students have through CE classes and activities.  She also oversees the Kid Konnection program.

Shelly Reindl (right) has been a high school paraprofessional for the past nine years.  Shelly can be found every morning greeting students and staff at the entrance, which is an awesome start to the day.  She knows many of the students by name, and they are quick to greet her each day.  She is a constant supporting presence in our school every day.

April 2025

"Transportation Alternatives Grant Award Collaboration"

Kurt Stumpf, Superintendent

Community Wins Collaboration Between City of Pequot Lakes and Pequot Lakes School District

 

The City of Pequot Lakes and Pequot Lakes School District were recently notified of a Transportation Alternatives Grant award of $448,000, with $112,000 of additional funding contributed by the City of Pequot Lakes.  This grant award is the result of a strong collaboration and planning process between the City and the District.  

 

School district staff members, city officials, and community members took part in a comprehensive Safe Routes to School study in 2023.  The result of the S.R.T.S. planning process was the foundation for the Transportation Alternatives grant application.  This T.A. project represents an over two-year planning process, with the main objective of providing our community – including students – safe access to locations within the City of Pequot Lakes. The project will address items that were outlined in the Safe Routes to School Plan, which was approved by the Pequot Lakes City Council and Pequot Lakes School Board.  

 

The four major areas of improvement provided by the grant funding include:

 

Area 1:  Pavement Markings & Lighting on Rasmussen Road from Oriole Street to Isabelle Drive

 

Area 2:  Patriot Avenue sidewalk on the west side of Main Street to West Lake Street 

 

Area 3:  Insert sidewalk from Oasis driveway on the south side of West Lake Street to Patriot Avenue, insert painted crosswalk on Patriot Avenue, and put in walking path from Patriot Avenue to Paul Bunyan Trail

 

Area 4:  Add push-button flashing beacon for crosswalk on north side of East/West Woodman crossing at Patriot Avenue

 

These improvements were already included in the City of Pequot Lakes’ long-range plan and provide funding for these important safety improvements.  The city and district have partnered on previous projects to support our school-community, and this is another example of the pay-off as a result of this partnership.

April 2025

"Career, College, and Life Experiences"

Kurt Stumpf, Superintendent

Pequot Lakes High School Offers Career, College & Life Experiences

 

On Tuesday, April 8, Pequot Lakes High School students engaged in a variety of experiences. This is an annual event, so students will have the opportunity to experience all activities throughout their careers at PLHS.

• Freshmen participate in industry tours at Widseth, Costco, Voyager Industries, The Teehive, Trussworthy, Lonesome Cottage, Crow Wing Power, Lindar, Scamp, Lexington, Barrett Pet Food, HUG Hydronics. 
• Sophomore students visit the following post-secondary institutions: Bemidji State, CLC-Staples, M-State Wadena, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud Technical and Community College.
• Juniors take either the ACT or ASVAB. The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery is a standardized test that helps identify strengths and skills or assists in a career field interest.
• Seniors participate in the Reality Store. The Reality Store is a mock budgeting simulation to help students learn about financial decisions such as investments, insurance, monthly expenses, and purchases. Students budget everything from buying a car, to paying for daycare and diapers, to handling major repairs and making financial investments. Budgets are built from the student’s intended career path and random life status (married, single, children).

(Reality Fair Picture)

March 2025

"Special Election & Festival of the Arts"

Kurt Stumpf, Superintendent

 

Special Election - April 8, 2025

 

On Tuesday, April 8, Pequot Lakes Public Schools will ask district residents to consider two ballot questions: a $55 million bond referendum and a 10-year, $600,000 annual capital projects levy.

 

District residents can vote on election day between the hours of 7 am and 8 pm.  As a special election, there will only be two polling locations open for the referendum.

Crosslake City Hall: Residents of Crosslake, Fairfield Township, Mission Township.

Cole Memorial Building: Residents of Breezy Point, Jenkins, Nisswa, Pequot Lakes, Lakeshore, Ideal Township, Jenkins Township, Lake Edward Township, Pelican Township, Loon Lake Township, Maple Township, and Wilson Township.

District residents can register to vote before Election Day to save time.  Minnesota also allows same-day voter registration.  For more information, check out https://www.patriot-vision.org/vote.

 

To find more details on the plan, including specific tax impact, visit Patriot-Vision.org.

 

Festival of the Arts - April 3, 2025

 

Pequot Lakes Public Schools will celebrate the outstanding dedication and artistic work of K-12 students and local adult artists during the Festival of the Arts on Thursday, April 3, from 5 to 8 pm. The event will be held at the high school, showcasing both visual and performing arts. Live performances will include the PLHS band, PLHS choir, PLHS theater, PLHS Speech, Northwoods Dance Studio, Revolution Dance Team, and instrumental performances from local youth. A special thank you to the planning committee of Kelly Crosby (EV Art teacher), Dan Devine (MS Art teacher), Todd Knutson (HS Art teacher), Joell Tvedt (Community Education Director), and others for hosting the event.

March 2025

"Special Election FAQs"

Kurt Stumpf, Superintendent

 

On Tuesday, April 8, Pequot Lakes Public Schools will ask district residents to consider two ballot questions: A $55 million bond referendum and a 10-year, $600,000 annual capital projects levy. Over the last four weeks, some district residents have asked some questions.  Below are some recent frequently asked questions with responses. 

 

How did the school district determine the cost of the bond question?

First, the district used its maintenance plan to assess the cost of replacing roofs, boilers, lighting, pavement and everything in between. Each item was inspected and reviewed by engineers to confirm the likely costs.  

  

Next, the district worked with school staff and focus groups to identify the highest priority needs of our buildings. A community survey was also conducted to understand the priorities of our community. 

 

After identifying the top needs, our school staff met regularly with an architecture and engineering firm to explore ways to address them. The firm has been responsible for $2+ billion in recent school construction or remodeling, so we are confident in their ability to:

 

• Precisely estimate costs for specific products and materials, as detailed in the comprehensive maintenance plan 

• Implement best-value engineering 

• Estimate long-term costs of infrastructure

• Secure rebates to offset specific costs  

 

Based on the identified needs, the impacted areas were identified as (1) new construction, (2) heavy remodel, or (3) light remodel. A square footage allocation for each area was determined by reviewing other similar projects throughout the state that have recently been completed. This provided an estimate of the cost per square foot of each area. To get a more precise figure would require a full design of spaces before a bond question is approved. That would be a major expense, and could quickly become obsolete between project design and actual bids given the rate of inflation.

 

In addition, project cost ‘alternates’ are identified as a measure to control unforeseen pressures on the bidding climate that may affect budgets. 

 

Can the school district control the costs of a project like this?

As construction contracts are bid, school districts must accept the lowest responsible bid from a qualified firm, or rebid if the price seems too high. Consequently, we work hard to understand the costs prior to voter approval of a referendum.

 

Working with our architecture firm, we identified six major factors that influence construction costs:

 

1. Building construction area and volume

2. Design and detailing 

3. Selection of materials and systems

4. Quality of construction planning documents

5. Bidding competitiveness

6. Construction economy at bid date

 

The district and architect control items 1-4, while bidding competitiveness (item 5) is dependent 

on contractor interest/timing. Construction economy (item 6) is unknown prior to project bids, so the Engineering News Record (ENR) Historical Building Construction Cost Index and other construction indices are used to try to predict cost. A contingency for unforeseen changes is included in all budgets. 

 

Has the school district received bids for the projects?

The district has not gone through the specific design process (schematic design, design development, construction documentation and bidding). At least one year passes between the board decision to authorize a referendum and construction bidding based on the design documents. Costs to develop design documents and receive bids are included in the referendum amount instead of being paid prior to a referendum with general fund dollars.

 

The projected cost for maintenance items in the referendum plan is $19M.  Does the district receive any other funding sources to pay for these expenses?    

The district receives about $380 per year per student from the State of Minnesota to address ongoing maintenance needs, equating to roughly $700,000 per year. This money is used for roof repairs, mechanical and boiler issues, sidewalks, water well issues, and other regular maintenance needs. For instance, a 21-year-old chiller at Eagle View had to be replaced last year for roughly $600,000, and some components of the boiler system tanks at the MS/HS were replaced for about $50,000. We have built up a maintenance fund for expenditures like these, but it doesn't come close to addressing the full scope of our maintenance needs, let alone improvements to address overcrowding and strengthen learning spaces. 

February 2025

"April 8, 2025, Special Election Questions & Outcomes"

Kurt Stumpf, Superintendent

 

On Tuesday, April 8, Pequot Lakes Public Schools will ask district residents to consider two ballot questions: A $55 million bond referendum and a 10-year, $600,000 annual capital projects levy.

 

Question 1:  $55 million bond referendum

The proposed plan aims to invest in the long-term quality of our schools, classrooms, and infrastructure. If approved by voters, the funds would enhance safety & security, address deferred maintenance, add space for career, technology, and trades education, and expand instructional spaces.

 

Question 2:  10-year, $600,000 Annual Capital Projects Levy  

If question two is approved by voters, the $600,000 annually would provide a dedicated funding stream ensuring textbooks, curriculum materials, and technology receive regular updates and provide students with the best tools to support their learning.  Funding these areas through a capital projects levy would free up general funds to support student learning experiences and school operations.

After voters rejected a previous referendum plan in November 2023, district administration and school board members received feedback.  One piece of feedback received was to communicate the outcomes if voters reject the referendum.  Therefore, the list below shows the effects of a failed vote on April 8 for each question.    

 

• Completion of deferred maintenance items will happen at a much slower pace, and come at higher costs due to inflation.  (Question 1)
• Select classrooms in all three schools will remain undersized or inadequate. Career, technology, and trades classes will continue to be taught in spaces not designed to teach skills for today’s modern workforce.  (Question 1)
• Other spaces for early childhood education, art, and culinary science will remain at capacity or not fully equipped to serve students’ needs.  (Question 1)  
• Traffic safety improvements related to the dropoff loop and parking lots will be postponed for the foreseeable future, and the high school entrance and office will not receive security enhancements.  (Question 1)
• Our district will have less flexibility and resources to fund textbooks, curriculum materials, and technology each year.  (Question 2)

To find more details on the plan, visit Patriot-Vision.org.

February 2025

"April 8, 2025, Special Election"

Kurt Stumpf, Superintendent

 

On Tuesday, April 8, Pequot Lakes Public Schools will ask district residents to consider two ballot questions: A $55 million bond referendum and a 10-year, $600,000 annual capital projects levy.

 

Question 1:  $55 million bond referendum

 

The proposed plan aims to invest in the long-term quality of our schools, classrooms, and infrastructure. If approved by voters, the funds would:

• Enhance Safety & Security: Adding a secure, centrally-located entryway at the high school and improving traffic safety with more parking and better traffic flow at all schools.

• Address Deferred Maintenance: Fixing overdue maintenance across all facilities to ensure healthy, safe, and energy-efficient learning environments. Includes replacing roofs, plumbing and accessibility features in restrooms, mechanical system upgrades, LED lighting, and repairs and updates to auditorium equipment.

• Add space for career, technology, and trades education: A new addition dedicated to woods, metals, robotics, and other trades education would provide more opportunities for students to explore career options in high-demand fields. Culinary spaces will also be added and updated.

• Expand Instructional Spaces: Current spaces would be remodeled to create classrooms and a new multi-purpose space would be added to the middle school. An early childhood addition would be added at Eagle View Elementary, including classrooms and a large motor room.

 

Question 2:  10-year, $600,000 Annual Capital Projects Levy  

According to a report by an educational funding group, SEE, the Pequot Lakes School District ranks 318 out of 328 school districts in MN for per pupil revenue funding.  If question two is approved by voters, the $600,000 annually would provide a dedicated funding stream ensuring textbooks, curriculum materials, and technology receive regular updates and provide students with the best tools to support their learning.  Funding these areas through a capital projects levy would free up general funds to support student learning experiences and school operations.

2023 Plan to 2025 Plan Changes

After voters rejected a previous referendum plan in November 2023, district administration held over 20 meetings with members of our school community and randomly surveyed 500 district residents to create a new plan that better focuses on students’ top needs. The new plan, which residents will vote on April 8, differs from the 2023 referendum in several key ways:

• The new plan will cost the average homeowner 36% less than the 2023 plan, if both questions are approved.

• The new plan omits investments in athletics facilities like ball fields and the track.

• Instead of building a brand new auditorium, the new plan calls for targeted investments in the existing auditorium to get the most out of our existing space.

• The new plan aims to maximize and reconfigure the use of existing classroom space to address overcrowding, rather than rely exclusively on new construction.

 

If voters approve both referendum questions, the tax impact on an average home in our district (approximate value of $400,000) would be $16.25 per month – $13.42 per month for Question One and $2.83 per month for Question Two – starting with taxes payable in 2026.   

 

To find more details on the plan, including specific tax impact, visit Patriot-Vision.org.

January 2025

"April 2025 Special Election"

Kurt Stumpf, Superintendent

 

The Pequot Lakes School Board authorized a Special Election on April 8, 2025, at their January 6, 2025, meeting. The School Board used feedback from the 500 randomly sampled district residents (December 2023) and over 20 community meetings (September-November 2024) to finalize the structure and scope of the new plan.  The details of the plan are listed below:

• Question 1:  $55 million for facility improvements in four categories:
  • Safety and Security Items ($9.5M)
  • Maintenance Items ($19M)
  • Career, Technology and Trades Spaces ($16M)
  • Addition and Remodel of Student Instructional Spaces ($10M)
• Question 2:  Capital Project Levy for roughly $600,000 per year for 10 years.  This will pay for curriculum and technology in order to open up the general fund for other costs that have not kept up with inflation.   
• Question 1 & Question 2 are independent questions.
• The estimated cost for an average residential property value of $400,000 is a total of $16 per month ($13 for Question 1 and $3 for Question 2).  This is a $12 per month reduction from the November 2023 election proposal of $28 per month, resulting from a board prioritization process that included input from teachers, other staff, parents, and community members.   

More details and information will be shared with district residents on the school website, resident mailing, community meetings, Facebook, and various school/community events.

January 2025

"Career Fair"

Kurt Stumpf, Superintendent

 

In alignment with the Pequot Lakes Public Schools commitment - A Place to Connect, Learn, & Thrive - Pequot Lakes High School hosted a Career Fair on Wednesday, December 11, 2024.   The Career Fair was attended by roughly 400 sophomores, juniors, and seniors.  Fifty-four businesses participated in the event to help PLHS students explore various career opportunities.  Multiple business representatives included graduates of PLHS as well. 

The participating organizations/businesses included:  U.S. Air Force, National Loon Center, Pequot Lakes Police Department, U.S. Army Army Reserves, Central Lakes College, Northern Pines Mental Health Center, Ziegler CAT, Graphic Packaging, Tremolo Communications, BlazeAir, UR Country Doc, Hanger Clinic, Lakefront Heating and Air, LLC, Clow Stamping, Katie Kottke Interiors, R & J  Broadcasting, Inc, Grand View Lodge, Pequot Lakes High School, Widseth Engineering, Lexington Manufacturing, Rural Minnesota CEP, Northgate Horse Co., Nurse Practitioner, Nondestructive Testing, Pequot Tool & Manufacturing, Inc., First National Bank, CLC Manufacturing, Cuyuna Regional Medical Center, Edward Jones, Clasen & Schiessl CPAs, Ltd., Chris Cullen Coldwell Banker Realty, Essentia Health, Hills Crossing Nursing Home, NASA, Telcom Construction, Marka Architecture, Crow Wing Power, EMT First Responders, Marketing & Graphic Design, Marine Max, Tiny Sprouts Daycare & Preschool, State of Minnesota, Lonesome Cottage, Salon Couture, Pequot Lakes Community Education, Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office, MN National Guard, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marines, Echo Journal Newspaper, Squirrelly Mama Boutique.               

Thank you to Joanna O’Neil, PLHS Internship Coordinator, for organizing the event.    

December 2024

"Band Program Thriving"

Kurt Stumpf, Superintendent

 

The Pequot Lakes middle school and high school band programs continue to flourish under the direction of Mr. Jordon Goebel and Mr. Mike Newton.  Both of these teachers come to PLSD with not only a wealth of experience but an unmatched passion for connecting students to music - regardless of their initial skill set.

The growth in the band program can be seen in the numbers:  There were 88 instrumental students in grades 6-8 in the 23-24 school year, increasing to 120 students in grades 6-8 in the 24-25 school year.  That’s a 36% jump in middle school students in one year.  The high school offers three instrumental classes - Guitar, Concert Band, and Symphonic Band.  70 students in grades 9-12 participated in those classes in the 23-24 school year, which climbed to 90 students for the 24-25 school year - an increase of 29%.  Principal Aaron Nelson indicates that “our High School students who are passionate about music are finding a connection with the way these teachers engage them in a mutual interest.  They ‘get’ kids and make their classes engaging and challenging.”

Mr. Mike Newton (L) and Mr. Jordon Goebel (R)

Pictured Above:  Pequot Lakes High School Pep band playing at home football game.

November 2024

"Veterans Day Program"

Kurt Stumpf, Superintendent

 

The Veterans Day program for the Pequot Lakes School District was held on November 11, 2024, in the high school athletic center.  Roughly 1,400 students in grades 3-12 along with veterans, staff, and community members attended the ceremony.  The enlightening and heartwarming speech given by a 5th-grade student is shared here: 

 

“Hi, my name is Everett Sangren.  I am in 5th grade and I am 10 years old.  I have been here for three years but before I lived in Tennessee. I was born in 2014 and I have moved seven times in seven years.  I have had the opportunity to attend 5 schools.  The reason for this is because of my dad.  My dad, Jeffrey Sangren was in the Army for 16 years.  Today, I am going to tell you three reasons why my veteran is a hero.  When I was born my dad stayed with me for two weeks then he deployed with Special Forces to Jordan.   He has done several trainings, jumped out of airplanes, completed underwater missions on a dive team, and deployed multiple times, but one area he focused on is freeing the oppressed. 

 

The motto of Special Forces is Free the Oppressed this means helping people that cannot help themselves.  My dad and his team learned new languages quickly so they could communicate with the local people.  They faced difficult training, pushing their bodies and minds to the limit.  It takes courage to protect those who are vulnerable, and my dad showed this bravery every day while serving with the 5th Special Forces Group out of Fort Campbell Kentucky. 

 

On April 10th, 2017, there was a Battle at An Tanf Garrison on the Syrian Jordanian border. My dad was on a patrol when the base came under fire by ISIS using a vehicle-borne IED. During this intense battle, my dad was the first one to say we need to go back in, and lead his team back into enemy lines. During this 7-hour battle, the American team was able to fight 50-60 enemy soldiers and they did not experience any casualties of their own. This is a battle that lasted all night and thankfully we had won the fight.  My dad received a Bronze Star with Valor for his bravery, but this is just one example of the fearlessness that it takes to be a soldier. 

 

Finally, my dad chose to go into the Army because of his strong character.  He always strives to do his best, and this dedication inspires me every day.  His choice to serve and protect our country shows his commitment not only to his duty but to the values we hold dear: honor, integrity, and selflessness. 

 

Today we are here to celebrate all Veterans.  This is just one veteran's story of bravery, and fearlessness.  I would encourage each of you to connect with a veteran and ask them their story. It is because of them that we are able to gather here today, it is because of their sacrifice and choice to serve that we are at peace in this country.

 

I am so thankful for my dad and for the opportunity to experience the military...I hope one day I am able to serve sacrificially just like he did. 

 

Thank you and God Bless America.”

November 2024

"Joell Tvedt Receives State Award"

Kurt Stumpf, Superintendent

 

The Minnesota Community Education Association (MCEA) is thrilled to announce Joell Tvedt, Community Education Director for Pequot Lakes, as the recipient of the 2024 State Community Educator of Excellence Award. This prestigious award honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, dedication, and innovative spirit within Minnesota's community education landscape.

Joell Tvedt's journey into community education began 14 years ago when she started in Ogilvie in a part-time role that quickly grew in scope. Her enthusiasm and dedication led her to become a full-time coordinator with Cambridge-Isanti Schools, where she deeply engaged with MCEA, serving in various capacities, including as a member of the MCEA Marketing Committee and co-chairing the RALLI committee.

This is Joell’s fourth year as the Pequot Lakes Community Education Director.  Joell's impact extends far beyond her official duties. She actively participates in local organizations, from the Crosslake and Pequot Lakes Chambers to the Pequot Lakes Library, where she continuously works to create meaningful and diverse programming for her community. Her commitment to fostering connections and providing creative, purposeful opportunities is reflected in the high regard she holds within the community.

"Joell embodies everything this award represents," said Kurt Stumpf, Pequot Lakes Superintendent. "Her passion and commitment to the field of Community Education are unparalleled. In over 20 years in education, I have never met someone with such unwavering dedication."

The MCEA State Community Educator of Excellence Award celebrates leaders who bring outstanding contributions to the field, elevating the role of community education throughout Minnesota.  Joell’s commitment and vibrant vision for community engagement serve as a beacon for fellow educators and the communities they serve.

Pictured:  Joell Tvedt with Matt Dickhausen,

Minnesota Community Education Association Executive Director, at the award ceremony on October 24, 2024.

October 2024

"School Staff of the Year Award"

Kurt Stumpf, Superintendent

 

The Pequot Lakes School District continues to partner with the Pequot Lakes Chamber of Commerce to recognize a staff member for the “Pequot Lakes School Staff of the Year Award.”

The award criteria includes:  The nominee of the Pequot Lakes School Staff of the Year Award is someone who radiates positivity and promotes Patriot Pride. The nominee also helps make Pequot Lakes School District a successful place for students, other staff, and the community through acts of service. Nominees must be employed by the Pequot Lakes School District.

The past winners of the award include Joanna O’Neil (2024) and Nancy Ryan (2023). 

The award winner will be recognized at the Excellence in Service Awards on February 6, 2025, at Breezy Point Resort. This event is a banquet and awards ceremony held to honor those who have gone above and beyond in their service to our community.  The other Pequot Lakes Chamber of Commerce awards that will be presented on February 6, 2025, include Citizen of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Employee of the Year, and Business of the Year.

Visit the Pequot Lakes Chamber of Commerce website (https://pequotlakes.com/) for more information and to nominate a staff member for the 2025 Pequot Lakes School Staff of the Year Award