Pipestone Area Schools
Pipestone, MN | Home of the Arrows
Tumble Time is this coming Saturday November 14th. For more information please see the attached flyer.
Reminder: Parent-Teacher Conferences are Thursday, Nov 19, from 1:00–7:30 PM. Please schedule a time with your child's teacher via the ParentVUE app or here: https://pvue7.region1.k12.mn.us/rt2689/PXP2_Login_Parent.aspx?regenerateSessionId=true
Veterans Day Program – November 11
Pipestone Area Schools invites veterans, families, and community members to our Veterans Day Program on Wednesday, November 11, at 9:00 AM in the MSHS Gym.
Please join us as we recognize and honor those who have served our country. All are welcome!
Pipestone Area Schools invites veterans, families, and community members to our Veterans Day Program on Wednesday, November 11, at 9:00 AM in the MSHS Gym.
Please join us as we recognize and honor those who have served our country. All are welcome!
Please see attached Flier about upcoming opportunity.
Pipestone Area Schools neither endorses nor sponsors the organization or activity represented in this document. The distribution of this material is provided as a community service.
Pipestone Area Schools neither endorses nor sponsors the organization or activity represented in this document. The distribution of this material is provided as a community service.
Due to teacher in-service, there will be no school tomorrow, Friday, November 6. Enjoy the long weekend!
We sincerely appreciate everyone who took the time to vote in the November 3 operating referendum election. We are especially grateful to those who expressed their support for our students, staff, and schools.
We wanted to share that the unofficial count shows the referendum has failed. The unofficial results are:
1,149 Yes
1,842 No
While the referendum did not pass, our commitment to providing the best possible educational opportunities for our students remains unchanged.
In the weeks ahead, our School Board and district leadership will face some difficult financial decisions. We will approach these decisions thoughtfully, responsibly, and with a continued focus on doing what is best for our students while respecting the resources entrusted to us by our community.
Thank you for caring about our schools and for being a valued partner in the future of Pipestone Area Schools.
We wanted to share that the unofficial count shows the referendum has failed. The unofficial results are:
1,149 Yes
1,842 No
While the referendum did not pass, our commitment to providing the best possible educational opportunities for our students remains unchanged.
In the weeks ahead, our School Board and district leadership will face some difficult financial decisions. We will approach these decisions thoughtfully, responsibly, and with a continued focus on doing what is best for our students while respecting the resources entrusted to us by our community.
Thank you for caring about our schools and for being a valued partner in the future of Pipestone Area Schools.
The October edition of the PAS Times is here!
Our journalism students have put their writing, reporting and creativity to work to share stories from across Pipestone Area Schools.
Read this month’s edition and see our school through the eyes of our student journalists.
Join us for the final community informational meeting before the November 3 election.
Thursday, October 29, 2026
6:30 PM
Middle/High School Auditorium
Learn about the proposed operating referendum, how the revenue would support student programs, staff and services, and what the proposal means for our district. Bring your questions and get information before you vote.
All community members are welcome!
Thursday, October 29, 2026
6:30 PM
Middle/High School Auditorium
Learn about the proposed operating referendum, how the revenue would support student programs, staff and services, and what the proposal means for our district. Bring your questions and get information before you vote.
All community members are welcome!
Registration is open for the PAS Winter Middle School Acceleration Program!
Fifth- and sixth-grade athletes will build a strong foundation through plyometrics, running and strength training.
• Wednesdays, November 4–December 9, 2026
• 7–8 a.m.
• PAS High School gymnasium and weight room
• Cost: $25; checks payable to PCMC
Register using the QR code on the flyer or at the PCMC Therapy front desk.
Questions? Contact program leader and PCMC Athletic Trainer Jeff Haufschild at jeffrey.haufschild@pcmchealth.org or 605-203-3177.
WINTER SPORT/ACTIVITY MEETING
November 12 at 6:00 p.m.
Pipestone Area Schools
All students planning to participate in—or considering—a winter sport or activity should attend with a parent or guardian.
Families will meet with coaches and activity leaders, ask questions about the season, and learn about registration and communication through BOUND.
All families must set up a BOUND account and add their students to register them for activities.
MEETING LOCATIONS:
• Gymnastics: Gymnastics Room
• Girls Basketball: High School Commons
• Boys Basketball: Auditorium
• Wrestling: Elementary Commons
• Robotics: Classroom 2106 (Mr. Dethlefs’ room)
• Speech: First-Floor High School Pod Area
• One Act: High School Library
Questions? Contact Mr. Zollner
November 12 at 6:00 p.m.
Pipestone Area Schools
All students planning to participate in—or considering—a winter sport or activity should attend with a parent or guardian.
Families will meet with coaches and activity leaders, ask questions about the season, and learn about registration and communication through BOUND.
All families must set up a BOUND account and add their students to register them for activities.
MEETING LOCATIONS:
• Gymnastics: Gymnastics Room
• Girls Basketball: High School Commons
• Boys Basketball: Auditorium
• Wrestling: Elementary Commons
• Robotics: Classroom 2106 (Mr. Dethlefs’ room)
• Speech: First-Floor High School Pod Area
• One Act: High School Library
Questions? Contact Mr. Zollner
Does a YES vote mean a household’s property taxes go up $1,500 per year?
No.
The proposed $1,500 is the amount of operating-referendum authority the district would receive per adjusted pupil unit. It is not a $1,500 household tax bill.
An individual property estimate depends on the property’s value, type and classification. Use the district’s tax calculator to see an estimate based on your property information.
Referendum information | Property-tax calculator
Learning does not stop at the school door.
Local employers, families, volunteers, civic organizations and community partners help students connect classroom learning to careers, service and life beyond graduation.
Those partnerships strengthen learning and help students see how their abilities can contribute to this community.
Thank you to everyone who invests time, knowledge and encouragement in Pipestone Area Schools students.
Referendum information
Pipestone Area Schools’ current operating-referendum authority was approved in 2017 at $474.26 per pupil.
Since then, the cost of operating schools has continued to change. Employee compensation, health insurance, transportation, utilities, special education, technology, curriculum, buildings and student needs all affect the district budget.
This conversation is not about getting ahead. It is about responding to today’s costs, services and expectations while the district also reviews possible reductions.
Referendum information
THIS IS WHAT OUR CLASSROOMS LOOK LIKE
Learning doesn't look the same for every student.
Some students learn by reading.
Some learn by building.
Some learn by creating.
Some learn by experimenting.
Some learn by working alongside others.
Across Pipestone Area Schools, students explore science, agriculture, technology, construction, math, literacy, the arts, and hands-on career experiences every day through classroom learning opportunities shown in the graphic.
The goal isn't for every student to learn the same way.
The goal is for every student to find a way to learn, grow, and succeed.
Learning doesn't look the same for every student.
Some students learn by reading.
Some learn by building.
Some learn by creating.
Some learn by experimenting.
Some learn by working alongside others.
Across Pipestone Area Schools, students explore science, agriculture, technology, construction, math, literacy, the arts, and hands-on career experiences every day through classroom learning opportunities shown in the graphic.
The goal isn't for every student to learn the same way.
The goal is for every student to find a way to learn, grow, and succeed.
What is on the Ballot?
What exactly are voters being asked to consider?
On November 3, 2026, Pipestone Area Schools voters will consider an operating referendum.
The proposal would replace the district’s current operating-referendum authority of approximately $474 per pupil with a new authorization of $1,500 per pupil.
The $1,500 is district revenue authority per adjusted pupil unit. It is not the amount an individual household would pay.
Throughout this week, we’ll share the need, the cost, tax information, student opportunities and answers to common questions.
We're loving our new app! Access documents, news updates, urgent alerts and notifications, right from your pocket!
Do you want to receive alerts about weather-related school delays and cancellations, along with other important notifications from Pipestone Area Schools?
Download new Pipestone Area Schools app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, and enable notifications to stay informed!
This week’s conversation with Superintendent Dr. Willert focuses on tonight’s upcoming community meeting about the Operating Referendum.
Dr. Willert will discuss the referendum and what it means for Pipestone Area Schools. Representatives from PMA Financial Group will also join the conversation to help answer your questions and provide additional information.
If you have questions about the operating referendum, this is a great opportunity to learn more before tonight’s meeting.
#ProudArrows
Catch up with the latest student stories, events, and news
updates. It's everything Pipestone Area Schools, in your pocket.
If you haven't already, download the app!
Download for Android https://aptg.co/_cqlgB
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updates. It's everything Pipestone Area Schools, in your pocket.
If you haven't already, download the app!
Download for Android https://aptg.co/_cqlgB
Download for iPhone https://aptg.co/P0_zL0
Community Informational Meeting – Reminder
A reminder that Pipestone Area Schools will be hosting a Community Informational Meeting regarding the proposed operating referendum.
Tuesday, September 29, 2026, 6:30 PM
Pipestone Area Schools MS/HS Auditorium
The meeting will provide an opportunity to:
Learn why it matters: How the operating referendum helps support student programs, staff, and services.
Understand what the proposal does: Details of the proposal, including the proposed $1,500 per pupil unit and how the revenue would be used.
Get your questions answered: Information about the process, timeline, and what to expect leading up to the November 3, 2026 election.
Learn about investing in our future: How the district can continue providing opportunities and resources for every student, every day.
Community members and staff are encouraged to attend and learn more about the proposal.
A reminder that Pipestone Area Schools will be hosting a Community Informational Meeting regarding the proposed operating referendum.
Tuesday, September 29, 2026, 6:30 PM
Pipestone Area Schools MS/HS Auditorium
The meeting will provide an opportunity to:
Learn why it matters: How the operating referendum helps support student programs, staff, and services.
Understand what the proposal does: Details of the proposal, including the proposed $1,500 per pupil unit and how the revenue would be used.
Get your questions answered: Information about the process, timeline, and what to expect leading up to the November 3, 2026 election.
Learn about investing in our future: How the district can continue providing opportunities and resources for every student, every day.
Community members and staff are encouraged to attend and learn more about the proposal.
COMMUNITY INFORMATIONAL MEETING NOTICE
Pipestone Area Schools Operating Referendum
Tuesday, September 29, 2026
6:30 PM
MSHS Auditorium
The public is invited and encouraged to attend a Community Informational Meeting regarding the Pipestone Area Schools operating referendum that will appear on the November 3, 2026 ballot. The meeting will provide information about the referendum and an opportunity for community members to ask questions.
A quorum of the Pipestone Area Schools Board of Education may be in attendance. No official School Board action will be taken.