As a result of federal legislation (Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act – AHERA), each primary and secondary school in the nation is required to complete a stringent inspection for asbestos and to develop a plan of management for all asbestos-containing building materials. The Pequot Lakes Public School District has a goal to be in full compliance with this law. As a matter of policy, the district shall continue to maintain a safe and healthful environment for our community’s youth and employees.  District personnel receive asbestos awareness training annually.

In keeping with this legislation, all buildings (including portables and support buildings) owned or leased by the school district were inspected by an EPA accredited inspector and an independent laboratory analyzed samples. Based on the inspection, the school prepared and the state approved a comprehensive management plan for handling the asbestos located within its buildings safely and responsibly.

Furthermore, the Pequot Lakes Public School District has third-year re-inspections completed by IEA, Inc. every three years. Federal law requires a periodic walk-through (called “surveillance”) every six months of each area containing asbestos. IEA, Inc. will accomplish this under contract.

This past year, the Pequot Lakes Public School District did not complete any asbestos removal projects.

Short-term workers (outside contractors – i.e. telephone repair workers, electricians, and exterminators) must be provided information regarding the location of asbestos with which they may come into contact. All short-term workers shall contact the lead maintenance person before commencing work to be given this information.

The Pequot Lakes Public School District has a list of the location(s), type(s) of asbestos-containing materials found in the school buildings, and a description and timetable for their proper management. A copy of the Asbestos Management Plan is available for review in the school office. Copies are available for 25 cents per page. Questions related to the plan should be directed to IEA, Inc., Brainerd, MN, at 763.315.7900 or by contacting the Pequot Lakes School District at 218.568.4996.

The school district has adopted a policy, the purpose of which is to promote the physical, social, and psychological well-being of its students. Pursuant to this policy, the school district shall seek criminal history background checks for all applicants who receive an offer of employment with the school district. The school district also shall seek criminal history background checks for all individuals, except enrolled student volunteers, who are offered the opportunity to provide athletic coaching services or other extracurricular academic coaching services to the school district, regardless of whether compensation is paid. These positions include but are not limited to, all athletic coaches, extracurricular academic coaches, assistants, and advisors. The school district may elect to seek criminal history background checks for other volunteers, independent contractors, and student employees.

Pequot Lakes Public Schools will be implementing E-Learning Days in the event that school must be closed due to inclement weather.  This means that students will engage in learning from home and the day will count as an instructional day.  Each school will communicate specific details regarding their E-Learning plans to students, however below is a basic outline of expectations.  Please check out the full plan by clicking on the link.  

23-24 ISD186 Family Engagement Plan

MDE Legal Assistance

It is the policy of the Pequot Lakes Public School District to maintain a learning and working environment that is free from religious, racial, or sexual harassment and violence. The Pequot Lakes Public School District prohibits any form of religious, racial, or sexual harassment and violence, and has adopted Policy 413 to address this. A complete copy of this policy is available in any of the school offices, and on the school website by clicking here.

The Pequot Lakes Public School District is proud to be taking a leadership role in providing a safe, comfortable and productive environment for our students and staff so that we achieve our core mission – educating students.  Our school will follow the EPA guidance to improve our indoor air quality (IAQ) by preventing as many IAQ problems as possible, and by quickly responding to any IAQ problems that may arise. Good air quality requires an ongoing commitment by everyone in our school because each of us daily makes decisions and performs activities that affect the quality of the air we breathe.  

School staff, students, and parents can obtain checklists or self-help information so they can properly evaluate their child’s home or other out-of-school situations by contacting the school.  Staff and parents can also obtain information about school and HVAC-related information, chemical-producing academic subjects, and pesticide and herbicide applications to determine the extent to which school activities contribute to a child’s symptoms by contacting the school.

IEA, Inc. conducts IAQ assessments annually to ensure proper air quality. The Pequot Lakes Public School District Indoor Air Quality contact person is the Director of Buildings & Grounds.  If there are any questions regarding the school’s IAQ program, please feel free to call the school at 218.568.4996.

A Minnesota state law went into effect in 2000 that requires schools to inform school staff, students, and parents if they apply certain pesticides on school property. Specifically, this law requires schools that apply these pesticides to maintain an estimated schedule of pesticide applications and to make the schedule available to employees and parents for review or copying at the school office. State law also requires that you be told that the long-term health effects on children from the application of such pesticides or the class of chemicals to which they belong may not be fully understood.

If there are any questions regarding the Pequot Lakes Public School District Pest Management program or you would like more information on the pesticide application schedule, please feel free to call the school at 218.568.4996.

Minnesota Statute 121A.335 requires public school buildings serving prekindergarten through grade 12 to test for lead in water every 5 years. The Pequot Lakes Public School District has historically conducted and continues to conduct Lead in Drinking Water testing per the Minnesota Department of Health guidelines.

For more information on Pequot Lakes Public School District's lead reduction program and testing results, please contact Mike Renford, Buildings & Grounds Director, at 218.568.9244.

2022-23 Local Literacy Plan

2023-24 Local Literacy Plan

2024-25 Local Literacy Plan

Notice of Non-Discrimination Statement

All information is public unless previously declared confidential or private by the Minnesota Data Privacy Act. Persons requesting information should set up an appointment with the administrator in charge. Citizens are requested to meet with the administrator to go over the information so it can be properly interpreted. Any cost related to the search for the data or copying cost may be charged to the requesting party. 

MS 120B.31 requires school districts to provide notice to parents/guardians of their option to refuse to have their students participate in statewide assessments. To exercise this option, go to http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/fam/tests/ and find the Parent/Guardian Guide and Refusal for Student Participation in Statewide Testing Form. Simply fill out the form and submit it to the school office. 

In accordance with MN Statute 609.605, Subd. 4, all visitors must report to an administrative office upon entering the building. Please check in and obtain a visitor's badge whenever visiting any of our school facilities.