PIKE: Pikeland approves outdoor learning center; continues talks on expanding track
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By BETH ZUMWALT
Submitted photo
An obstacle course that will provide exercise and agility training for older students will also be created at Pikeland Community School. The course will be located south of the main PCS building.
The Pikeland School Board approved an outdoor learning center for Pikeland Community School at the Dec. 21 meeting.
“Fresh air and sunshine are good for students, so we are going to offer outdoor learning,” Carol Kilver, superintendent of the Pikeland District, said. “Weather permitting we hope to have it up by July.”
Submitted photo
A structure similar to this one will house Pikeland Community School’s outdoor learning center, according to Carol Kilver, superintendent of the district. The structure will be southeast of the main building.
Kilver said some dirt work needs to be done to place the open-sided, covered structure on the south side of the building. The structure, electrical and some drainage issues will be covered by the estimated $713,000 cost.
There will also be a new “playground area” that will be for older students.
“That will include an obstacle course that our physical education teachers can use in their classes,” Kilver said. “All of the improvements will be available to the community attending ball games at the baseball and softball diamonds, nearby. This will give players and parents a place to get out of the sun in between games and have meetings and such.”
According to Kilver, talks are continuing about the best way to add two lanes to the high school track.
“We plan to move the grandstand back to the north to accommodate two additional lanes,” Kilver said. “But If we add two lanes on the south side, it affects the baseball field foul line. We have people coming to look at the situation and try to find a solution.”
The board also approved applying for the Fiscal Year 2023 for a Property Tax Relief grant.
“When the state went to evaluation based funding, we were a smaller district, so we qualified for some additional funding from the state,” Kilver said. “Schools that rely more on state aid than local property taxes can apply.”
“It’s a long shot, but you won’t get it if you don’t apply,” Kilver said. “We have applied every year, but never have received the grant. They give it to the top 20-25 schools and we’ve never even been close.”
