Classroom Remodel to House More Students in Hibbing

Parking Improvements, Classroom Renovations

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The school year is officially over for Hibbing Public Schools and construction season is about to begin. 

This year, the attention is on the Lincoln Elementary school due to an increase in enrollment. 

Lincoln Elementary has increased in population by 100 students. 

Although the district says it’s a great problem to have, the growing numbers mean a big need for adding more classroom space. 

Thirty kids is the maximum classrooms at Lincoln Elementary can hold. 

“We have a need to expand classrooms,” said Hibbing’s Buildings and Grounds Supervisor, Joe Arthurs.

Arthurs says the big remodeling project consists of gutting current rooms. 

“Adapting a couple of special ed teachers into a space that formally was just one room,” said Arthurs.

A regular sized special ed room will be used as a 3rd grade classroom while another special ed room will turn into two classrooms.

“The reality is they will be here and we will be ready for them next fall,” said Principal, Bob Bestul.

But, that’s not the only change coming.

“Staff have really commented an awful lot about lateness of activities and it gets pretty dark and space is not adequately lighted,” said Arthurs.

In addition, the parking lot is slated to get a makeover. 

“We are now going to be upgrading our parking lots at every school site,” said Bestul.

Besides redoing the pavement, more lights will be added.

Construction on the parking lot is set to start next week. 

Both projects are estimated to cost $90,000. 

The expense is budgeted for in the capital fund. 

If enrollment continues to increase, one of the computer labs would be converted into another classroom. 

Right now, there are 7 sections in each grade.