About PRB
Jonathan Clark, PRB Superintendent
Welcome to Pine River-Backus Schools!
Located in the heart of Minnesota’s beautiful lakes and forests, Pine River-Backus is proud to be a school district deeply connected to the communities we serve. Our region is known for its strong sense of community, natural beauty, and people who care deeply about one another—and those same qualities are at the heart of our schools.
At PRB, our mission is to provide every student with opportunities to learn, grow, and discover their unique potential. We believe education is about more than academics. It’s about building character, developing confidence, fostering curiosity, and preparing students to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the world beyond our classrooms.
Our dedicated staff work alongside families and community partners to create a supportive environment where students feel known, valued, and encouraged to succeed. From the classroom to athletics, activities, and hands-on learning experiences, we strive to give students the tools and experiences they need to find their path forward.
We are proud of our history, grateful for the community that surrounds us, and excited about the future of Pine River-Backus Schools. Thank you for being part of the PRB family.
Our Mission
Our mission is to teach & inspire students to grow, excel, reach, & succeed in partnership with our learning community.
Our Vision
Our vision is to be a “Destination District” focused on shaping the leaders of tomorrow through independence, creativity and growth.
Wondering where PRB is headed in the future? The school board in conjunction with stakeholder groups made up of staff, students, parents, and community members develops a 5 year strategic plan meant to guide the district’s decisions and help the district achieve its mission and goals.
PRB History
PRB Schools has a rich history rooted in the Pine River community, with generations of students, educators, and families shaping the district over the years. Explore the story of Pine River-Backus Schools through this collection of historical photos and milestones from Heritage Group North’s School History archive and the PRB Yearbook Archive.
PRB School Board
The Pine River-Backus board of education is comprised of seven voting members elected to four year terms.
Each month the board’s calendar is broken down into two meetings: A work session where members discuss and work on board business and a regular meeting at which actions (votes) are taken and public comments are heard. PRB uses a software called “BoardBook” to post board agendas and minutes; click the button to the right to see these documents.
All regular meetings are open to the public and held in the Pine River Backus High School library unless otherwise indicated. Students, families, staff and community members are invited to stream the meetings if they cannot attend.
Attendees wishing to comment should attend the regular meeting that month and will need to follow the procedure outlined at the bottom of this page.
Chair Cunningham – ccunningham@prbschools.org
Vice-Chair Maurer-Ackerman- cmaurerackerman@prbschools.org
Clerk Trumble – rtrumble@prbschools.org
Treasurer Hoplin – rhoplin@prbschools.org
Director Bouchonville – lbouchonville@prbschools.org
Director Linsten-Lodge – nlinsten-lodge@prbschools.org
Director Sheley – dsheley@prbschools.org
Mr. Cunningham – Exp 2027; Certified Negotiations, PBEC
Vice-Chairperson – Ms. Maurer-Ackerman- Exp 2029; Non-Cert Negotiations
Clerk – Mr. Trumble – Exp 2027; Certified Negotiations, Health & Safety
Treasurer – Mr. Hoplin – Exp 2029; Non-Cert Negotiations
Director – Ms. Bouchonville – Exp 2027; Negotiations Alternate, Clerk
Director – Ms. Linsten-Lodge – Exp 2027; Certified Negotiations
Director – Mr. Sheley – Exp 2029; Non-Cert Negotiations, MSHSL
- Concerns should be addressed at the location they occur. Issues regarding staff, students, or programs should first be directed to the Building Principal or Athletic Director. Only after discussing the matter with the Principal, should you contact the Superintendent of Schools. Only after discussing the matter with both the Principal and Superintendent, should you bring it to the School Board. Any concerns presented to the board will discussed with school administration.
- Fill out a card on the table upon entering to let the board know you have an issue to address. Give the card to school admin at the meeting.
- If you don’t fill out a card, you will need to raise your hand and wait to be be called upon by the board chair.
- Comments and concerns are addressed when the specific agenda item is being discussed. If the issue does not apply to an agenda item, there is an open forum at the end of the meeting.
- Public comments are limited to 3 minutes per individual.
- Disrespectful comments or comments of a personal nature will not be allowed to be presented or openly discussed during a Board meeting.
- IMPORTANT! There will be NO discussion of confidential/non-public information such as age, marital status, religion, sexual orientation, spouse or dependents, health information, allegations of misconduct. or any other information classified as private and confidential by Minn. Stat. Ch. 13.
- Any person who violates data privacy by disclosing confidential information or by naming staff or students directly in an open public forum is guilty of a misdemeanor. (Minn. Stat. Ch. 13.09a). Additionally, willful violation of data privacy constitutes just cause for suspension w/o pay or for dismissal (Minn. Stat. Ch. 13.09b).
Business Office
The business office at Pine River Backus Schools ISD 2174 is responsible for the dispensation and tracking of a $12 million annual budget. The business office includes accounts payable and receivable.
Any questions related to budget, purchasing, paperwork or payment should be addressed to the business office. Annual budget reports and commonly requested forms found below.
Questions?
Jolene Bengtson, Business Manger
jbengtson@prbschools.org
218-587-8082
Find Your Place at PRB
Looking for a rewarding career where you can make a difference in the lives of students and our community? Pine River-Backus Schools is a place to grow, connect, and make an impact. Our dedicated team works together to create a supportive learning environment where every student can thrive.
Whether you’re an educator, support professional, or looking to bring your unique skills to a school setting, we invite you to explore opportunities at PRB. Join a team that values collaboration, community, and a commitment to helping students succeed.
Build your career. Make a difference. Be part of PRB.