Pinehurst Elementary School gets new addition and remodel

PINEHURST — Pinehurst Elementary School (PES) is getting an exciting new addition and remodel this year.

Building started on this project around December last year and included adding a cafeteria and turning the old cafeteria into a revamped library and Title 1 space.

Starting in 2017, PES has housed students from Pinehurst, Smelterville and Kellogg, giving its student population a huge increase of around 218 students. Unfortunately, this makes classroom space hard to come by.

“We have about 450 kids now, give or take. We are pretty jam packed,” said Principal Mike Groves.

PES will free up three new classrooms with this remodel while also obtaining a new modern cafeteria.

Currently, PES has limited space for special education classes and small group instruction, but has made do with what room they now have.

“The stage is closed and being used as a special education classroom. We just don’t have much room for smaller groups,” Groves said.

A portion of funds for this project were obtained from the federal government in relation to COVID-19 relief. On March 27, 2020, Congress set aside approximately $13.2 billion of the $30.75 billion allotted to the Education Stabilization Fund through the Coronavirus Aid Relief and CARES Act for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund.

Looking toward the future, the crew will need to demolish the old kitchen, which will be a bit of a process. First, the old kitchen will need to be shut down, as the equipment is removed and brought to the new kitchen.

The plan for the new classroom space is not yet finalized, but the emphasis will be on small group instruction and special education classrooms.

Groves compliments his flexible staff on the smooth transition.

“I give compliments to all of my staff, this would not have been possible without them and their flexibility and doing what’s best for the students.”

The project is estimated to be completed by the school year of 2022-2023, weather permitting.