"Where Olmsted County News Comes First"

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“The school isn’t really about to fall down around us,” Superintendent Tammy Berg-Beniak assured the Pine Island School Board after head custodian Rollie Sessions finished his state-of-the-building review. His grim report was part of the board’s Jan. 3 meeting.

“I don’t want to state doom and gloom,” Sessions began, and then did. A broken pipe and its resulting flood welcomed him his first day on the job – before he’d even punched in. In the 10 months since, he’s dealt with other oozes and spews from steam pipes and plumbing pipes, and he found one plumbing pipe worn thin as paper.

“I’m assuming some sinks, faucets and drinking fountains are original equipment, from 1934 I think. At least, they sure look like it.”

And more bad news: Some components of the electrical system fall short of code. Some windows lack screens; other windows need replacing. One of the two drains in the boys’ locker room doesn’t work, Sessions said, “and the shower room floors are pitted and terrible, like gravel roads.”

Asbestos abounds. He suggested removal of the stuff from the school’s occupied areas.

The dilapidation indoors is repeated outdoors. “Layers thick as a deck of cards are peeling from bricks and falling off.” Uninsulated buried pipes are wasting energy. “There’s cracking around the building and a big sinkhole, and the main service box is sinking.”

About the roof... Although sections of it have been replaced over the last 10 years, water backs up in two areas and spills into the building.

“They’re supposed to be lifetime roofs,” said board vice chairwoman Janet Szajner.

“Each of the several roof contractors says, ‘That isn’t our work,’” said Superintendent Berg-Beniak.

“We’re trying to find out who did what part and get them to stand by their warranties,” said Sessions.

When he ended his upsetting assessment, board member Angela Heiden told him, “Thank you for your honesty. It’s not easy to hear.”

After the meeting, Sessions said he enjoys his job despite its challenges. He likes no dull moments.

Let’s Get Wired

Pine Island Parent, Teacher, Student Organization (PTSO) wants to wire the school for Wi-Fi everywhere, said first-grade teacher Traci Bauer, who’s helping coordinate a fundraiser to pay for the upgrade. With a theme of Let’s Get Wired, the event will be an expanded version of the annual Lap-A-Thon.

Past Lap-A-Thons have involved K-8 students walking or running laps to collect pledges. Lap-A-Thon 2013 will have that, as well as new activities and more participants. Preliminary plans call for high school students to compete in fundraising projects and runners to take part in a 5K event.

On marathon evening, PTSO will hold a community celebration in the park, with food, of course, and a band. Six Mile Grove would be appropriate for the Lap-A-Thon and run, said Bauer – “Six MILE Grove. But I haven’t heard back from them yet.”

The Let’s Get Wired Lap-A-Thon will take place May 7-8 (rain dates May 14-15). PTSO’s goal is to raise $100,000; that’s $30 per person in the community.

Good old status quo

Before their regular meeting, board members gathered for the annual organizational session, where in every instance they voted unanimously to seize the status quo.

They chose the same officers: Jeff Leland, chairperson; Szajner, vice chairperson; Randy DePestel, treasurer, and Heiden, clerk.

They kept the monthly meeting schedule: first Thursdays and third Mondays.

They redesignated the News-Record their official newspaper and Pine Island Bank the official depository for district funds. They retained the school’s investment companies and its lawyers.

They agreed to the same salaries as before: $1,500 for the chairperson and $1,250 apiece for other members.

Student rep’s report

Neatly aligning her presentation to the district’s goals (high student achievement, collaborative work environment and effective and efficient operations), senior Courtney O’Reilly discussed student activities.

High student achievement: “With the first semester coming to an end, students have been studying extra hard preparing for finals,” she said, “as well as getting ready for the new semester.”

The band, orchestra and choir are preparing for a music contest in March.

The girls’ basketball team, 7-3, finished third in the Holiday Tournament. “We’re trying to get the fans out to support our teams,” said O’Reilly.

Collaborative work environment: Some 2012 graduates talked to this year’s seniors about preparing for college. Among topics covered were studying and doing laundry.

Effective and efficient operations: Regarding the seniors, when they know their plans for next year, they’re invited to write their names on stars and post the stars on the senior display bulletin board. “It’s another incentive for students to get their plans made for next year,” O’Reilly said.

Other business

•School holidays in January and February required changing two meeting dates. Instead of Jan. 21, the board will meet Jan. 14, and the originally scheduled Feb. 18 session will take place Feb. 25 instead. The meetings, in the school’s music room, will begin at 7 p.m.

•The Community Planning Team, comprised of representatives from the school, the city, the Economic Development Authority and several townships, will meet with Elk Run developer Tower Investments on Jan. 9.