Expansion Update | September 2022

 

By Christine Erntson, marketing and communications coordinator
September 22 | 5 p.m.

 

PACT continues to look forward to opening our Secondary Campus fall of 2023. It’s an exciting opportunity to expand offerings and programs. While the initial approvals took longer than expected, we are excited to announce we have the green light!

 

Permits and Approvals

While it took many more months than anticipated, PACT received great support from the Ramsey City Council, and for that, we are grateful. The final approval was obtained on September 12, 2022, for the development agreement. The Lower Rum River Watershed Management Organization passed our permit on September 15, 2022. We are officially approved. 

 

Bonding and Land Agreements

The land parcel is the 18 acres between Central Park in Ramsey on 161st Ave NW between Armstrong Blvd NW and Variolite Street NW. Our bonds were sold and priced as expected on September 15, 2022. A land purchase agreement has been created, and we are ready to close the property on September 27, 2022. 

 

Groundbreaking Ceremony

Please join us on October 6 as we break ground on the new Secondary campus. There will be a short program at 4:15 p.m. with special speakers and guests. The event is at the back of our new property located at 7633–161st Avenue Northwest. Enter through Central Park and proceed to the back of the park.

 

Secondary Building

The Facilities Committee worked over the summer on the physical plans for the new site. Current plans for the new Secondary Campus include more classrooms, a larger and more open library media center, more art/industrial classrooms, a football stadium, a track, two gyms, and a large auditorium. Due to the delay in breaking ground, it’s possible the auditorium and gym will not be ready until December 2023. 

 

Programming

With input from the parents on the Secondary Programming and Curriculum Committee, administration and teachers have been working hard to determine class offerings and electives at the new Secondary Campus. Exciting offerings are being planned in all areas, especially in concurrent enrollment and more hands-on courses.

 

Staffing

Staffing must double across K-12 between 2023 and 2028, including teacher, para, and school support roles. In addition, some positions will be responsible for both campuses and commuting between the two. Once we understand enrollment better, we will know our needs. A job fair is being planned for January 2023 at PACT. 

 

Enrollment

The expansion plan allows PACT to increase our grade sizes by 100% between 2023 and 2028. For the Secondary Campus, grades 6-9 will be expanded by 50% - 100% in the first year, and each of those grades will then feed into the next grade as they advance to the next level, until we are at total capacity by 2028. This leaves open the possibility to grow faster based on interest and capacity. 

 

On the Elementary Campus, grades K-2 will double by two sections, and grades 3-5 will gain an extra section in 2023 to increase by 50%. The classrooms will then increase in the years following until we reach four sections for each grade level.

 

While filling all the classrooms immediately would be exciting, a growth explosion could tax our resources and weaken our ability to provide an exceptional education. PACT could also see a significant culture shift. While filling the classrooms will remain a priority, and we hope to see rapid positive growth, the School Board and Administration, along with the guidance of our Authorizer, will consider what is best for all students and staff.

 

How You Can Help

As a choice school, the best marketing plan is always word-of-mouth, so please help us spread the word. This includes positive reviews on websites like Niche, GreatSchools, Facebook, and Google; and sharing posts and information with friends and family. The enrollment application for fall 2023 is open until November 1, 2022. 

 

Also, please participate in ImPACT Night meetings! Our committees have been intentionally created for the overall benefit and needs of PACT, but without parent involvement, our committees are not as successful. We need parents to help with events, fundraising, programming, and budgets. There is just too much work to be done, and we can’t do it without you!

Contact Us

PACT Charter School | District Offices
7250 East Ramsey Parkway NW
Ramsey, MN 55303 

PACT Charter School | Elementary Campus
7250 East Ramsey Parkway NW
Ramsey, MN 55303 

PACT Charter School | Secondary Campus
7729 - 161st Avenue Northwest
Ramsey, MN 55303 

Main phone line: 763-712-4200
Fax: 763-712-4201

Absence: attendance@pactcharter.org

MAP & DIRECTIONS

School Hours

Elementary Campus
8:15 a.m. - 3:15 p.m. 

Secondary Campus
8:00 a.m. - 3:05 p.m. 

Office Hours

School Days
7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. 

Non-School Fridays
7:30 a.m. - Noon

School Breaks
Closed

Summer Hours
Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

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