Pickford Public School K-12 students returned to class today following a summer of construction.
"It has been a long project due to COVID and other things," said Principal Kyle Rairigh. "We started last spring and our building is looking amazing. Everybody here is excited and ready to learn. Most kids I've seen have had smiles on their faces. They are ready to go."
Panther volleyball player Laura Bush was certainly eager to begin her junior year today, as it meant seeing friends and resuming classes. Bush has taken on the responsibility of mentoring elementary students this year. She hopes the experience will help prepare her for the future.
"I will probably become a teacher or study nursing," Bush said.
Construction was still taking place when she and fellow students entered the school today. Many parents and faculty members were pleased to see crews hard at work.
Pickford Public School's first bond proposal of $8.5 million was passed by Chippewa County voters on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2019 to begin renovations and additions. Renovations included its science lab and exterior doors. Additions included a kitchen, band room, industrial arts and technology room, and two new elementary classrooms.
Security cameras and exterior lights were upgraded, lock down capabilities implemented, public address systems replaced, and drop-off locations modified. New school buses were also purchased.
Voters approved Pickford Public Schools for an additional bond of $3,500,000 on May 3, 2022 to add a total six new middle school and high school classrooms. It also made it possible to renovate locker rooms, pave a parking lot at the building's south side, replace casework and flooring, and remodel the home economics classroom. The bond was needed to finish the construction project, due to the soaring costs of materials and labor following the pandemic.
School staff greeted students this morning to get them off busses, serve breakfast, and help find their classrooms. They welcomed some new students as well.
According to a Pickford Public Schools press release issued in March, the district has seen a 21% increase in its student population over the past five years. Continued growth is projected within the district.
2022 marked Pickford Public School District's 100th year in operation. The Panther Legacy Project hosted its centennial celebration on March 24th to look back at its success and look ahead into a successful future.
To find information and updates on construction progress, click here.
