Welcome Coach LaPlante!
POSITION: High School Special Education Resource Teacher (1.0 FTE)
Date Posted: April 13, 2026
Location: Pine Island High School
Date Available: 2026-2027 school year
Closing Date: April 24, 2026
License Required: Minnesota Special Education Teaching License
Compensation:
Click here to view the 2023-25 teacher salary schedule. Rates for this position can be found on p. 31
This Position is Medical and/or Dental Benefit Eligible.
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
Develop and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) aligned with special education best practices.
Provide direct academic and behavioral support to high school students with disabilities in a resource room setting and/or inclusive general education environments.
Use evidence-based instructional strategies to support student learning in core academic areas.
Collaborate with general education teachers, paraprofessionals, and related service providers to ensure student success.
Conduct ongoing assessments to monitor student progress and adjust instruction accordingly.
Maintain accurate and compliant documentation of student services, progress, and IEP implementation.
Communicate regularly with families to provide updates on student progress and collaborate on strategies for success.
Support student transition planning, including goal-setting for academic and post-secondary readiness.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Specific Responsibilities:
Provide direct instruction in small groups, one-on-one settings, or pushed into general education classrooms based on student needs.
Implement and support positive behavior strategies aligned with students’ IEP goals.
Serve as a case manager for assigned students, ensuring compliance with special education requirements.
Provide training and guidance to paraprofessionals supporting students with disabilities.
Stay current on best practices and legal requirements in special education.
Know, interpret, and follow school district policies.
Knowledge and Skills:
Understanding of high school curriculum and special education strategies.
Ability to differentiate instruction to meet the diverse needs of students with disabilities.
Strong collaboration and communication skills with students, families, and staff.
Proficiency in IEP development, data collection, and progress monitoring.
Experience with behavior management and de-escalation strategies.
Ability to maintain professional composure while managing multiple responsibilities.
Hiring Administrators:
Steven Jex, Director of Special Education
Mitchel Schiltz, High School Principal
Application Procedure:
Please upload a letter of interest, resume, 1-3 letters of professional recommendation, transcripts and Minnesota Teacher license information with your online application.
For general inquiries please contact HR Specialist Luke May (luke.may@pineisland.k12.mn.us)
Date Posted: April 13, 2026
Location: Pine Island High School
Date Available: 2026-2027 school year
Closing Date: April 24, 2026
License Required: Minnesota Special Education Teaching License
Compensation:
Click here to view the 2023-25 teacher salary schedule. Rates for this position can be found on p. 31
This Position is Medical and/or Dental Benefit Eligible.
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
Develop and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) aligned with special education best practices.
Provide direct academic and behavioral support to high school students with disabilities in a resource room setting and/or inclusive general education environments.
Use evidence-based instructional strategies to support student learning in core academic areas.
Collaborate with general education teachers, paraprofessionals, and related service providers to ensure student success.
Conduct ongoing assessments to monitor student progress and adjust instruction accordingly.
Maintain accurate and compliant documentation of student services, progress, and IEP implementation.
Communicate regularly with families to provide updates on student progress and collaborate on strategies for success.
Support student transition planning, including goal-setting for academic and post-secondary readiness.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Specific Responsibilities:
Provide direct instruction in small groups, one-on-one settings, or pushed into general education classrooms based on student needs.
Implement and support positive behavior strategies aligned with students’ IEP goals.
Serve as a case manager for assigned students, ensuring compliance with special education requirements.
Provide training and guidance to paraprofessionals supporting students with disabilities.
Stay current on best practices and legal requirements in special education.
Know, interpret, and follow school district policies.
Knowledge and Skills:
Understanding of high school curriculum and special education strategies.
Ability to differentiate instruction to meet the diverse needs of students with disabilities.
Strong collaboration and communication skills with students, families, and staff.
Proficiency in IEP development, data collection, and progress monitoring.
Experience with behavior management and de-escalation strategies.
Ability to maintain professional composure while managing multiple responsibilities.
Hiring Administrators:
Steven Jex, Director of Special Education
Mitchel Schiltz, High School Principal
Application Procedure:
Please upload a letter of interest, resume, 1-3 letters of professional recommendation, transcripts and Minnesota Teacher license information with your online application.
For general inquiries please contact HR Specialist Luke May (luke.may@pineisland.k12.mn.us)
POSITION: Night Lead Custodian
(2:30pm - 11pm, M-F Occasional Weekends)
Date Posted: April 13, 2026
Closing Date: Open until filled
Location: 5-12 Building
Compensation:
Pay range for this position: $18.50 - $22.00 per hour, depending on qualifications
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
Pine Island Independent School District No. 255 is looking for a passionate, dedicated Custodian to join our growing team. Lead, inspect, clean, maintain, and repair, to provide a satisfactory physical learning environment for students, staff, & public that is safe, clean & functions efficiently district wide.
Minimum Qualifications:
High School Graduate or equivalent
Some experience as a school custodian, or the equivalent in custodial service at other institutions & firms
Overall leadership, custodial, & mechanical ability
Demonstrate knowledge & expertise in the basic techniques of custodial service
Strong Communication Skills – Both Verbal & Written
Dependable, punctual, energetic, honest, respectful & courteous
Be able to list jobs on a priority basis
Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds
Also see “Physical Requirements” below
Ability to acquire & obtain Boiler Engineers License
Performance Responsibilities:
This position performs a variety of custodial & maintenance duties in support of classroom & administrative operations. Responsibilities include, but may not be limited to, tasks required to maintain the cleanliness, good order, sanitary & secure condition of schools &/or administrative spaces. Incumbents must be capable of working reliably & independently to carry out assigned tasks & work schedules.
Job Duties:
Communicate & plan effectively with the Building & Grounds Director
Provides exceptional, customer-focused support to students, staff, & visitors by addressing needs promptly, communicating professionally, & fostering a welcoming & supportive environment
Lead the night shift custodial team
Responsible for the training of new night custodians
Operates custodial equipment, including vacuums, floor machines, buffers, & carpet cleaners
Performs routine maintenance, cleaning, & minor repairs of custodial & building equipment
Responsible for snow removal & salting during night shift
Responsible for overseeing the setting up of activities as needed
Be familiar with & observe OSHA & other safety regulations
Order custodial supplies as needed
Transports & delivers educational materials & supplies as needed
Conducts routine health & safety inspections (emergency eyewash stations, emergency lighting, fire extinguishers, elevators)
Be responsible to a flexible schedule as it relates to the needs of the district
Be responsible for emergency call backs as needed
Performs additional duties as assigned by the Buildings & Grounds Director
Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
All employees subject to hazards are equipped per OSHA standards
Subject to work with biohazard waste, hazards, vapors & odors from various chemicals
Subject to temperature changes while performing assigned duties
May be required to work in extreme hot & cold temperatures
Subject to work from elevated work surfaces
Pine Island is a wonderful community with many offerings including:
A safe, welcoming small-town atmosphere with a strong sense of community.
Easy access to big-city amenities while enjoying affordable living.
Beautiful parks, trails, & the Zumbro River for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, & biking.
A prime location just one hour south of the Twin Cities and twelve miles north of Rochester, home of the world famous Mayo Clinic & IBM.
If you’re looking for a school where you can make a difference, grow professionally and be embraced by a fantastic community, Pine Island High School is the place for you! Candidates with questions about the position are encouraged to contact Director of Buildings & Grounds at craig.english@pineisland.k12.mn.us Apply today and become part of a district that values you and your passion for excellence.
Hiring Administrator: Craig English, Director of Buildings & Grounds
Application Procedure:
Please upload a letter of interest, resume and professional recommendations with your online application. www.pineisland.k12.mn.us
(2:30pm - 11pm, M-F Occasional Weekends)
Date Posted: April 13, 2026
Closing Date: Open until filled
Location: 5-12 Building
Compensation:
Pay range for this position: $18.50 - $22.00 per hour, depending on qualifications
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
Pine Island Independent School District No. 255 is looking for a passionate, dedicated Custodian to join our growing team. Lead, inspect, clean, maintain, and repair, to provide a satisfactory physical learning environment for students, staff, & public that is safe, clean & functions efficiently district wide.
Minimum Qualifications:
High School Graduate or equivalent
Some experience as a school custodian, or the equivalent in custodial service at other institutions & firms
Overall leadership, custodial, & mechanical ability
Demonstrate knowledge & expertise in the basic techniques of custodial service
Strong Communication Skills – Both Verbal & Written
Dependable, punctual, energetic, honest, respectful & courteous
Be able to list jobs on a priority basis
Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds
Also see “Physical Requirements” below
Ability to acquire & obtain Boiler Engineers License
Performance Responsibilities:
This position performs a variety of custodial & maintenance duties in support of classroom & administrative operations. Responsibilities include, but may not be limited to, tasks required to maintain the cleanliness, good order, sanitary & secure condition of schools &/or administrative spaces. Incumbents must be capable of working reliably & independently to carry out assigned tasks & work schedules.
Job Duties:
Communicate & plan effectively with the Building & Grounds Director
Provides exceptional, customer-focused support to students, staff, & visitors by addressing needs promptly, communicating professionally, & fostering a welcoming & supportive environment
Lead the night shift custodial team
Responsible for the training of new night custodians
Operates custodial equipment, including vacuums, floor machines, buffers, & carpet cleaners
Performs routine maintenance, cleaning, & minor repairs of custodial & building equipment
Responsible for snow removal & salting during night shift
Responsible for overseeing the setting up of activities as needed
Be familiar with & observe OSHA & other safety regulations
Order custodial supplies as needed
Transports & delivers educational materials & supplies as needed
Conducts routine health & safety inspections (emergency eyewash stations, emergency lighting, fire extinguishers, elevators)
Be responsible to a flexible schedule as it relates to the needs of the district
Be responsible for emergency call backs as needed
Performs additional duties as assigned by the Buildings & Grounds Director
Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
All employees subject to hazards are equipped per OSHA standards
Subject to work with biohazard waste, hazards, vapors & odors from various chemicals
Subject to temperature changes while performing assigned duties
May be required to work in extreme hot & cold temperatures
Subject to work from elevated work surfaces
Pine Island is a wonderful community with many offerings including:
A safe, welcoming small-town atmosphere with a strong sense of community.
Easy access to big-city amenities while enjoying affordable living.
Beautiful parks, trails, & the Zumbro River for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, & biking.
A prime location just one hour south of the Twin Cities and twelve miles north of Rochester, home of the world famous Mayo Clinic & IBM.
If you’re looking for a school where you can make a difference, grow professionally and be embraced by a fantastic community, Pine Island High School is the place for you! Candidates with questions about the position are encouraged to contact Director of Buildings & Grounds at craig.english@pineisland.k12.mn.us Apply today and become part of a district that values you and your passion for excellence.
Hiring Administrator: Craig English, Director of Buildings & Grounds
Application Procedure:
Please upload a letter of interest, resume and professional recommendations with your online application. www.pineisland.k12.mn.us
Support the Pine Island Nature Play Trail!
Enter for a chance to win a Custom-Built Mud Kitchen—perfect for backyard play!
🎟 Raffle Tickets: $20 each
3 Easy Ways to Enter:
• Online: Scan the QR code on the flyer - or use this link: https://pineisland.revtrak.net/hs-nature-play-trail.../ (please add your phone number with your name in the name box)
• In person: Purchase from a PI Roots & Shoots Environmental Club member
• Local: Buy at Hardware Hank in Pine Island
This beautiful mud kitchen was built by students in the PI Roots & Shoots Environmental Club, and all proceeds help support the Nature Play Trail at the Pine Island Nature Preserve.
📅 Winner drawn: Sunday, May 17 at 3:00 PM
📍 Nature Play Trail Open House: 1–3 PM
(You do not need to be present to win!)
Thank you for supporting outdoor play, environmental education, and student-led projects in our community!
*Want to support the trail but don't have a use for a mud kitchen? Donate the kitchen to the PI Early Learning Center if you win!
Congratulations to the boys and girls track and field teams for competing in less than desirable weather in their first outdoor meet. The boys placed 2nd as a team and the girls placed 6th.
Earning team points for placing in the Top 6 were:
100m dash: Peyton Loftus - 3rd, McKinley Sorum - 4th
400m dash: Corrin Pike - 1st, Quinten Fangman - 2nd, Ben Edwards - 4th, Xander Weissgerber - 5th, River Weissgerber - 2nd, Ella Edwards - 6th
800m run: Bo Rosane - 3rd
1600m run: Bo Rosane - 2nd, Olivia Morgan - 5th
3200m run: Talon Schutz - 3rd
100/110 hurdles: Austin Luckey - 5th, Lisa Hoehne - 5th
300m hurdles: Skylar Johnson - 4th
4x100: Cooper Rutten, Peyton Loftus, Aspen Gorman, Owen Harstad - 1st, Will Taylor, Colton Henning, Corrin Pike, Cody Schiltz - 5th, Evie Anderson, Olivia Harris, Addie Myran, Saleigha Coop - 4th
4x200: Cooper Rutten, Aspen Gorman, Owen Harstad, Peyton Loftus - 1st, Keyten Berg, Xander Weissgerber, Kyren Gansen, Alan Kellander - 4th, Skylar Johnson, Jacob Bendix, Liam Brewster, Lorenzo Buffon - 5th
4x800: Talon Schutz, Max Njus, Chase Swintek, Guillermo Pedreno - 2nd
Shot Put: Cody Schiltz - 4th
Discus: Colton Henning - 3rd, Erin Taylor - 4th
High Jump: Ben Perreault - 3rd,
Pole Vault: Ben Edwards - 2nd, Titan Gravenish - 6th, Annalise Sherman - 4th
Long Jump - Macy Koenen - 6th
Triple Jump: Will Taylor - 5th
Complete results can be found at the link below:
https://www.athletic.net/TrackAndField/meet/650459/results/all
Earning team points for placing in the Top 6 were:
100m dash: Peyton Loftus - 3rd, McKinley Sorum - 4th
400m dash: Corrin Pike - 1st, Quinten Fangman - 2nd, Ben Edwards - 4th, Xander Weissgerber - 5th, River Weissgerber - 2nd, Ella Edwards - 6th
800m run: Bo Rosane - 3rd
1600m run: Bo Rosane - 2nd, Olivia Morgan - 5th
3200m run: Talon Schutz - 3rd
100/110 hurdles: Austin Luckey - 5th, Lisa Hoehne - 5th
300m hurdles: Skylar Johnson - 4th
4x100: Cooper Rutten, Peyton Loftus, Aspen Gorman, Owen Harstad - 1st, Will Taylor, Colton Henning, Corrin Pike, Cody Schiltz - 5th, Evie Anderson, Olivia Harris, Addie Myran, Saleigha Coop - 4th
4x200: Cooper Rutten, Aspen Gorman, Owen Harstad, Peyton Loftus - 1st, Keyten Berg, Xander Weissgerber, Kyren Gansen, Alan Kellander - 4th, Skylar Johnson, Jacob Bendix, Liam Brewster, Lorenzo Buffon - 5th
4x800: Talon Schutz, Max Njus, Chase Swintek, Guillermo Pedreno - 2nd
Shot Put: Cody Schiltz - 4th
Discus: Colton Henning - 3rd, Erin Taylor - 4th
High Jump: Ben Perreault - 3rd,
Pole Vault: Ben Edwards - 2nd, Titan Gravenish - 6th, Annalise Sherman - 4th
Long Jump - Macy Koenen - 6th
Triple Jump: Will Taylor - 5th
Complete results can be found at the link below:
https://www.athletic.net/TrackAndField/meet/650459/results/all
Pine Island High School Solo/Ensemble Contest is happening at school all day today. Pictured are two of the band senior ensembles ready to perform for their last high school contest.
As part of the curriculum, every band, choir, and orchestra student in grades 9-12 are required to perform a solo or small ensemble for the event. In addition, grade 7-8 orchestra students also perform solos. The students are scored by judges from outside of the school district.
Good luck to all of our musicians.
As part of the curriculum, every band, choir, and orchestra student in grades 9-12 are required to perform a solo or small ensemble for the event. In addition, grade 7-8 orchestra students also perform solos. The students are scored by judges from outside of the school district.
Good luck to all of our musicians.
Today the Pine Island Baseball team returns to Target Field to take on the Lourdes Eagles.
High School Students in Need of Service Hours:
The Lions Club Ditch Clean Up will be postponed due to wet ditches and pending rain until April 18th from 9am to noon. We will still meet at the elementary school parking lot. Breakfast will still be served. Please contact Angela Koster-Sorenson to reserve your spot!
The Lions Club Ditch Clean Up will be postponed due to wet ditches and pending rain until April 18th from 9am to noon. We will still meet at the elementary school parking lot. Breakfast will still be served. Please contact Angela Koster-Sorenson to reserve your spot!
🕒 Reminder: Late Start This Wednesday!
Just a friendly heads-up for our families and students: Wednesday, April 8th is a scheduled late start day.
Please adjust your morning routines accordingly. We look forward to seeing everyone a little later in the morning!
Just a friendly heads-up for our families and students: Wednesday, April 8th is a scheduled late start day.
Please adjust your morning routines accordingly. We look forward to seeing everyone a little later in the morning!
Today we recognize the important role library staff play in supporting learning, encouraging curiosity, and helping students grow as readers and learners. We want to thank Kahla, Heather and Cindy for all you do for our students and staff!
PIHS Art SCREAM visited Limb Lab, KTTC, and the Rochester Art Center to learn about medical design, broadcasting, marketing, and video production. We also were able to view the incredible work on Southeast Minnesota art students.
Join us for the Panther Track and Field Pasta Fundraiser on April, 26th beginning at 6:00 p.m.
Join us for Post Prom 2026!
Celebrate a memorable night at Pine Island High School's Post Prom, with a Minnesota State of Mind! This lock-in adventure begins on May 2, 2025, from 11:00 PM to 3:30 AM. Enjoy activities and secure, carefree fun at Pine Island High School with friends.
Clickable Link here: Post Prom 2026
A few items to note:
You do not have to attend Prom to attend Post Prom.
Please add your parent's email for the waiver to be sent to them at a later date.
Post Prom ticket sales run until April 22nd.
Celebrate a memorable night at Pine Island High School's Post Prom, with a Minnesota State of Mind! This lock-in adventure begins on May 2, 2025, from 11:00 PM to 3:30 AM. Enjoy activities and secure, carefree fun at Pine Island High School with friends.
Clickable Link here: Post Prom 2026
A few items to note:
You do not have to attend Prom to attend Post Prom.
Please add your parent's email for the waiver to be sent to them at a later date.
Post Prom ticket sales run until April 22nd.
Prom Registration Information:
-Cost $70 per person ($140 per couple)
-Please note any food allergies or Medical items for chaperones to be aware at time of registration
-Juniors and Seniors registering with a date who is any of the following - 2025 Graduate, a sophomore at either PIHS or another school, or a Junior or Senior from another school - must register together and paid together
-The order of registration determines the order of the Grand March program.
-Seniors: if you would like to OPT OUT of Loyalty Voting, there is a spot during registration - Select Yes if you do not want to participate.
-If you do not wish to walk in the Grand March, please select OPT OUT of Grand March when you register (Select Yes to not participate in walking)
-If you prefer to pay by Cash or Check, please email Ms. Wachter
-Guest Forms are available now in the High School Office - Due by Friday 4/24/26 3:15pm
You can follow PI Prom on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/pihsprom/) for updates.
Prom has a page and is located under Activities on the Pine Island website.
Link for HS Prom is located on Pine Island’s website under Fee Payments →select HS PROM (The link is live beginning 8:00 am on 3/31/26)
https://pineisland.revtrak.net/hs-prom/
QR codes will be located on posters at school for students to register at school during appropriate times of cell phone use.
Ms. Wachter’s email: cassandra.wachter@pineisland.k12.mn.us
-Cost $70 per person ($140 per couple)
-Please note any food allergies or Medical items for chaperones to be aware at time of registration
-Juniors and Seniors registering with a date who is any of the following - 2025 Graduate, a sophomore at either PIHS or another school, or a Junior or Senior from another school - must register together and paid together
-The order of registration determines the order of the Grand March program.
-Seniors: if you would like to OPT OUT of Loyalty Voting, there is a spot during registration - Select Yes if you do not want to participate.
-If you do not wish to walk in the Grand March, please select OPT OUT of Grand March when you register (Select Yes to not participate in walking)
-If you prefer to pay by Cash or Check, please email Ms. Wachter
-Guest Forms are available now in the High School Office - Due by Friday 4/24/26 3:15pm
You can follow PI Prom on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/pihsprom/) for updates.
Prom has a page and is located under Activities on the Pine Island website.
Link for HS Prom is located on Pine Island’s website under Fee Payments →select HS PROM (The link is live beginning 8:00 am on 3/31/26)
https://pineisland.revtrak.net/hs-prom/
QR codes will be located on posters at school for students to register at school during appropriate times of cell phone use.
Ms. Wachter’s email: cassandra.wachter@pineisland.k12.mn.us
Pine Island Trap Team- Congratulations to Finn Cassity and Ben Bertsinger on their perfect rounds in week 1!
PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION IS OPEN
Preschool registration for the 2026–2027 school year is now open!
Will your child be 3 years old by September 1? Come learn and grow with our experienced, licensed Early Childhood team as we build strong foundations for a successful Panther educational journey. 🐾
Visit www.pineislandce.com to get registered today!
Preschool registration for the 2026–2027 school year is now open!
Will your child be 3 years old by September 1? Come learn and grow with our experienced, licensed Early Childhood team as we build strong foundations for a successful Panther educational journey. 🐾
Visit www.pineislandce.com to get registered today!
🏠 Last Call for Bids!
Time is running out to place your bid on the Pine Island School’s construction house property. There is only 1 day left!
Deadline: Friday, April 3rd by 2:00 PM
Location: Bids must be delivered to the Pine Island School District Office.
Minimum Bid: $440,000
How to Bid:
Please submit a sealed bid including the following information:
✅ Full Name
✅ Phone Number
✅ Email Address
✅ Total Bid Amount
Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to own a student-built home!
Time is running out to place your bid on the Pine Island School’s construction house property. There is only 1 day left!
Deadline: Friday, April 3rd by 2:00 PM
Location: Bids must be delivered to the Pine Island School District Office.
Minimum Bid: $440,000
How to Bid:
Please submit a sealed bid including the following information:
✅ Full Name
✅ Phone Number
✅ Email Address
✅ Total Bid Amount
Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to own a student-built home!
Due to the weather conditions, Pine Island School will be 2 hours late today ( April 2nd). No AM preschool. Childcare is open at both the elementary and ELC.
We apologize for the short notice as weather conditions are changing quickly. We will continue to monitor conditions throughout the morning hours.
We apologize for the short notice as weather conditions are changing quickly. We will continue to monitor conditions throughout the morning hours.
Hello Pine Island Community!
Our 5-12 SOP ("Support Our Panthers") resource room is running low on snacks (crackers, fruit snacks, nuts, etc.) to get us through to the end of the school year. If you are willing to help, please contact Cait Carr to inquire about specific donations at cait.carr@pineisland.k12.mn.us. Thank you!
Our 5-12 SOP ("Support Our Panthers") resource room is running low on snacks (crackers, fruit snacks, nuts, etc.) to get us through to the end of the school year. If you are willing to help, please contact Cait Carr to inquire about specific donations at cait.carr@pineisland.k12.mn.us. Thank you!
Awarded!
PIHS Biology teacher Megan Schimek was awarded a community project grant for Pine Island Public Schools! The $12,947 award will fund a project called “Increasing Student Access to Outdoor and Environmental Education in Pine Island, MN”!
Mrs. Schimek's proposal was selected from 130 proposals in the 2026 phase of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources No Child Left Inside Grant Program. This project will assess and support outdoor and environmental education in grades prek-12.
PIHS Biology teacher Megan Schimek was awarded a community project grant for Pine Island Public Schools! The $12,947 award will fund a project called “Increasing Student Access to Outdoor and Environmental Education in Pine Island, MN”!
Mrs. Schimek's proposal was selected from 130 proposals in the 2026 phase of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources No Child Left Inside Grant Program. This project will assess and support outdoor and environmental education in grades prek-12.
