Pine River-Backus Elementary School was built in 1973. Many of us remember the '70s. It was a time when the baby boomers were coming of age and new and revolutionary ideas were the rage. The reaction to the '70s in later decades has been a more research-based response to public needs - whether we are looking at energy efficiency, infrastructure or instructional methodology.

Pine River-Backus Elementary School, like many schools built around the same time, was built using the "open classroom" model. The "open classroom" promoted the idea that a large group of students at different skill levels working under the direction of several teachers would be productive. It was designed to foster skill grouping and cooperative learning. Unfortunately, in most cases, the idea was not the reality. Increased noise, distractions and security concerns undermined the learning environment. Most studies indicate that students with ADHD, learning disabilities and school anxiety are negatively affected by the "open classroom."

Remarkably, at Pine River-Backus Elementary, staff and students have overcome many of the challenges and regularly accommodate space issues in order to enhance the educational environment. Jackie Bruns, Pine River-Backus Elementary Principal says, "When you have the best students and a great staff, you find a way to take every opportunity to teach and work to improve student achievement. However, improved space would alleviate many struggles for students and I believe allow teachers to teach even better. Today's security concerns weigh heavy on students, teachers and parents alike. It would also be great to improve our security plans which ultimately help students feel safe and again excel academically, socially and emotionally."

If we want the best and most secure school for our Pine River-Backus children, then we need to think about the "open classroom" challenges. Over the past several months, the Pine River-Backus School Board has discussed the walls and doors and has considered the possibility of remodeling the Elementary School and building walls and doors.

A professional architectural firm has estimated the cost of putting walls and doors in the Elementary building to be around $1.5 million. The District's Bonding and Finance Advisors, Ehlers, has indicated the tax impact to range from $5 to $82 dollars per year per home depending on taxable market property values for 15 years - see chart (below, at left) for more details.

Board Members are hearing varied comments from different people and would really appreciate hearing from the public to understand how community members feel about the "open classroom" and possible alternatives. In order to help and encourage your input, the Board has set up several options:

Telephone Response - Call 587-8019 and respond by leaving a message that indicates how you feel about the survey questions. (The voice prompt will tell you what to do.)

Survey - Pen and paper - Complete the survey in the printed edition of the Pine River Journal and mail it back to the District Office.

Web page - Go to the District Web page www.prbackus.k12.mn.us and use the link at the top of the Home Page to complete the electronic survey.

The Board would appreciate the public's comments on this issue and is looking forward to the results that will be shared at the Aug. 18 Regular School Board Meeting.