Election 2025: Northern MN school referendums seek budget, building fixes

A total of 13 school districts in rural Northern Minnesota are asking residents to support referendums in special elections this year.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4.

District officials are expressing needs ranging from increasing dollars used to support operating expenses and replacing boilers, windows and doors, to building additions, new bus garages or a community wellness center.

We've collected information on each of these asks across the region, with links to more information and details on how to vote if you're a resident of the district.

Questions? See something missing or in need of correction? Email news@kaxe.org.

Local News

These are the 2025 Northern Minnesota special elections

Sixteen school districts and one township in the Northland will have special elections on Nov. 4, 2025. Early voting begins Sept. 19.

Aitkin

Aitkin voters will decide on two bonding questions this year: $59.44 million to replace Rippleside Elementary and $6 million for a new community wellness center attached to the new school.

Question Two can only pass if voters approve Question One.

Rippleside is around 70 years old, and the district said it’s showing its age.

“Classrooms are too small, security systems are outdated, air quality is poor, and key parts of the building — from roofs to windows to flooring — need replacement,” the referendum website states. “These conditions reduce student learning opportunities while creating health and safety concerns.”

Local News

New elementary school on November bond referendum in Aitkin

Dani Fraher

A special election this November 2025 will decide whether to build a new school to replace Rippleside, which has several issues from space to health risks.

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The district said it has the oldest schools in the region, with an average building age of 55 years. Rippleside is only one major emergency away from learning disruptions, it said.

Question One would raise property taxes on a $200,000 home by $250 a year. Question Two would raise them by an additional $21 a year.

Early in-person voting is available at the Aitkin County auditor’s office. Election Day voting will take place 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Aitkin Public Library.

More information on the referendum, including tax impacts and voting details, are available on the referendum website.

Badger

Badger Independent School District No. 676 goes to the voters this November with three ballot questions: two questions are bonding referendums, and one seeks operating dollars. The district began its facility planning process in 2022.

Question One asks voters to consider approving $5.34 million to fund critical, overdue building repairs and improve accessibility in the school, according to the district. This includes replacement of the boiler and the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system; bathroom upgrades for Americans with Disabilities Act standards; new exterior doors and windows; new cooler and freezer space in the kitchen; and renovations to the locker rooms with new plumbing and finishes.

Question Two seeks an operating levy of $100,000 per year for 10 years. This levy aims to prevent future cuts to teachers and classroom programs while covering day-to-day operations and maintaining a healthy emergency fund balance.

The third ballot question asks voters to approve another $11.24 million to expand and improve learning spaces. This question can only pass if the first two questions gain voter approval. If voters approve Question Three, the district will repurpose its media center by converting it into special education classrooms and converting its current gym into a new media center and music space. This would free up the existing music room to serve as the classroom space needed for the fifth grade.

The third question would also involve building a new addition. The addition would feature career and technical education shop space for welding, woodworking and engine classes; a new multi-purpose gym with safer dimensions for physical education classes, events and performances, and new locker rooms and a concession area; a student commons area for collaboration and events; and a weight room.

Voters in the Badger School District approved a new operating levy in 2024, which provided short-term help to avoid immediate cuts to staff and programs. But the district said without more support, it is headed toward further budget shortfalls in future years that could require cuts to staff, programs and curriculum, just like many districts in the state due to decreases in state funding.

For a home of the average value in the district ($164,100), the projected monthly cost would be $24.06 for Question One, $19.35 for Question Two and $27.64 for Question Three. A tax calculator can help you determine what the impact would be for your specific situation.

The tax impact for Question One and Question Three would apply to all property types. Because these questions seek funding through bonds, farmers can use the Ag2School tax credit, which provides a 70% credit on all agricultural property, excluding the homestead and 1 surrounding acre. Because Question Two seeks funding through an operating levy, the tax impact for this question would only apply to residential property. Most farmland and seasonal recreational properties are exempt.

Absentee ballots can be completed in person at the Badger School Office on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Between 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Election Day, all district residents will vote at the Badger Community Center, 111 N. Main St.

Visit betterforbadger.org for more information.

Clearbrook-Gonvick

The Clearbrook-Gonvick School District is once again attempting to pass a capital improvement bond.

Its 2023 $28 million bond proposal was rejected by the voters, but the district is returning with a $34.9 million request on Nov. 4, 2025.

Compared to its 2023 proposal, the 2025 ask includes additional classrooms, maintaining the existing elementary gym and expanding career and technical education spaces.

The project includes some of the previous asks, such as a new secure entrance, a new roof and renovated common areas. The cost for the roof replacement in 2023 was $3.1 million, but the district estimates the 2025 roof replacement would cost $3.65 million, when factoring for inflation.

If passed, the district said the state will pay approximately $3.7 million of the referendum, and large corporations would pay a significant portion. Enbridge alone would pay nearly a quarter of the referendum, according to the district. Agricultural land in Minnesota also receives a 70% tax credit on school bond levies as of 2023.

“Strong schools help support a strong and vibrant community. Local community and business leaders are active in our schools and will help guide future decisions,” stated the district referendum webpage. “We are all dependent upon the outcomes of all schools, and Clearbrook-Gonvick is no exception. We must educate the next generation to sustain our community. "

If approved, the owner of a home in the Clearbrook-Gonvick district valued at $175,000 would pay $178 additionally in property taxes each year.

Early voting is at the Clearbrook-Gonvick District Office, 16770 Clearwater Lake Road, Clearbrook, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Additional early voting hours will be offered 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, and 8:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3.

Clearbrook-Gonvick district voters can cast ballots on Election Day at the Clearbrook City Hall & Community Center, 200 Elm St., 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Nov. 4.

More information is on the Clearbrook-Gonvick referendum webpage.

Cook County

Cook County is asking voters to approve a 20-year, $6.65 million bond to renovate its performing arts center, create outdoor learning spaces and improve its athletic facilities.

“These programs are more than just ‘extras’ — they’re essential parts of a well-rounded education that support academic success, teamwork, mental health, and readiness for life after graduation,” the district said on its referendum website.

The projects would also be funded by a $5 million grant from the Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation, if voters approve the bonds.

Last year, Cook County voters approved $24.2 million in bonds for school improvements. They rejected two other ballot measures: $9.2 million for the performing arts center, outdoor spaces, athletic facilities and bus maintenance shop, and $3.4 million for a second gymnasium.

If the referendum passes, a $400,000 home would see taxes go up by about $4 a month starting next year.

More information about the proposal and a tax impact calculator is available on the referendum website.

All voting for the referendums will be by mail ballot. Registered voters’ ballots were mailed earlier this month. If you are not registered to vote, you can request an absentee ballot from the county auditor’s office.

Ballots can be returned by mail or in-person to the Cook County Courthouse in Grand Marais. They must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

If you don’t receive a ballot, lose it or can’t mail it back in time, you can vote in-person at the courthouse on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Crosby-Ironton

Crosby-Ironton School District voters will decide whether to approve an operating levy that would provide $1.5 million annually — or $1,521 per pupil — for 10 years.

Following unsuccessful referendums in 2023 and 2024, the district made more than $1 million in budget cuts — reducing teaching positions, support staff, electives and extracurriculars. Even with these reductions, the district reports it faces a $1 million shortfall that is projected to grow to $1.5 million within five years without new funding.

If voters approve the levy request, the funds would be used to restore the district’s fund balance to board policy levels, maintain manageable class sizes, attract and retain staff, sustain elective courses and provide adequate classroom supplies and materials for teachers, preserve student support services, and continue to provide a wide variety of extracurricular activities without relying entirely on fundraising.

If the request is rejected, the district said it would result in ending online schooling and College in the Schools contracts. It would also mean cutting six full-time employees: one elementary teacher, one high school teacher, one family and consumer sciences teacher, one music teacher, one foreign language teacher and one high school custodian. One school counselor position would be reduced to half-time. All purchases of curriculum and instructional supplies would be suspended, and all extracurricular activities would be 100% defunded.

The tax impact on a $400,000 home (about the district median) would be about $26 per month, starting in 2026. The levy would be in place for 10 years. A tax calculator can help you determine the impact in your own situation.

All district residents can vote early by mail-in absentee ballot through Tuesday, Nov. 4. Absentee ballot applications can be found here or by calling the Crow Wing County Election Office at 218-824-1051. Absentee ballots must be received by 5 p.m. on Election Day to be counted.

Early voting via absentee ballot is also available 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays at the Crow Wing County Historic Courthouse, 326 Laurel St., Brainerd, through Monday, November 3. The county elections office at the courthouse will be open additional hours for in-person early voting 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3.

Residents can vote at their respective combined polling locations between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4. You can find your polling location using the Secretary of State’s poll finder. Locations include Crosby City Hall (2 Second St. SW); Deerwood Town Hall (20782 State Highway 6); Emily City Hall (39811 State Highway 6); and Mission Town Hall (29474 County Road 3).

Visit rangernationstrongfoundation.org for more information.

Deer River

Deer River seeks to pass an operating levy and a capital project levy.

The operating levy would last 10 years and would increase general education revenue by $300 per pupil.

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The capital project levy would also last 10 years and is 3.954% of the net tax capacity, generating an estimated $500,000 a year.

Capital project funds can only go toward specific areas. The district said the money would support technology needs like digital curriculum and network upgrades.

Deer River said it's asking for funds because of rising costs and declining enrollment. The referendum allows the district to maintain staff, provide education resources and fund operating expenses.

A $250,000 home would see a tax increase of about $7 a month if the capital project levy passes and about $8 a month if the operating levy passes.

More information about the proposal and a tax impact calculator is available on the referendum website.

Only Deer River school district residents can vote in the election. There are four possible polling places: the Ball Club Community Center, Inger Community Center, Jesse Lake Lutheran Church and King Elementary School.

Visit the Itasca County website to find out which polling place you should visit and for more information on voter registration and absentee voting.

Hibbing

Hibbing is asking voters to approve a two-question referendum. The first considers a 10-year, $603 per pupil operating levy that would generate an estimated $1.3 million. The second is a 10-year, $1.3 million capital projects levy.

The district said the funds will stabilize its budget, maintain excellence and avoid deeper cuts. It’s been over 12 years since the district last had a referendum.

Like many other districts, Hibbing pointed to stagnant state funding as an explanation of its budget woes; there’s been a 19% drop in funding since 2005 when adjusted for inflation, it said.

As a result, the district cut 34 staff positions earlier this year. Without the referendum, it said it will need to make deeper cuts.

“This means larger class sizes, fewer course options, and less support for students who need it most,” the referendum website states.

Taxes on a $175,000 home would go up by about $19.76 if both levies pass. The tax calculator can tell you your specific property tax impact.

Early in-person voting is available at the Hibbing High School office, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays, with extended hours on Nov. 1 and Nov. 3.

Election Day voting will take place at the Hibbing Armory between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Mail-in only districts and registered absentee voters will receive absentee ballots like a typical election.

For more voting information and more on the referendum, visit the district’s referendum website.

Lake of the Woods

The Lake of the Woods School District in Baudette has a single ballot question for its referendum vote on Nov. 4.

The multi-purpose question asks for approval of a $5 million facility bond to preserve its school and a $400,000 per year capital project levy, lasting 10 years.

Lake of the Woods School was built in 1991. The district said its roof and masonry are deteriorating, its bus fleet is aging and it has a general lack of funding for textbooks and technology.

Its preliminary conceptual plans include building-wide updates to upgrade learning materials and the building itself, which also cites worn-out vinyl flooring and residential-style windows that are either stuck shut or can’t close properly.

If Lake of the Woods district voters vote yes, the projected tax impacts on a residential homestead with a value of $200,000 are estimated to be an additional $140 per year.

Since Lake of the Woods School’s tax base is made up of 22% qualifying agricultural land, 15% of the facility bond portion of the ballot question would be paid by the state through Minnesota’s Ag2School Tax, according to the district.

The Lake of the Woods Government Center, at 206 Eighth Ave. SE in Baudette, will accept early voting ballots 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. on weekdays, with extended hours offered 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, and 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3.

Election Day voting on Tuesday, Nov. 4, will also be 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Lake of the Woods Government Center.

For more on this ballot question, visit Lake of the Woods School’s referendum webpage.

Roseau

The Roseau Community School District is seeking voter approval of an operating referendum of $1,000 per pupil over 10 years — its second attempt in as many years to boost its budget.

In 2024, the district sought an increase of $1,050 per pupil in its operating levy request, which failed, with 61.24% of voters saying no. Last year’s failure resulted in the School Board authorizing $500,000 in cuts to this year’s operating budget, according to district officials. Those cuts included reduced positions in teaching, physical education, counseling and extracurricular coaching, along with reductions to popular student programs like attendance at Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center, Legionville safety camp and Summer Fun at School.

Without voter support for another operating referendum, the district reports it would face another $695,000 in projected reductions. The district said these reductions would directly affect class sizes and course offerings at both the elementary and high school levels.

A major factor in Roseau’s budget troubles centers in changes and the eventual discontinuation of the state’s Maximum Effort Loan Aid program. The Roseau district was one of six districts continuing to receive an incentive grant of $650,000 annually through the program after it was changed in 2016. But legislators ended it completely four years ago, which left a permanent shortfall in local revenue for the district.

“The loss in this additional revenue combined with inflation, unfunded mandates placed upon our school district and inadequate educational funding from the State of Minnesota are forcing the Roseau School District to seek voter approval of an Operating Revenue,” the district states.

For a home with an estimated market value of $200,000, the tax impact for the referendum is expected to be $381 more annually, or $32 more per month. For more tax impact estimates, see Roseau’s presentation on its operating levy or the notice of special election.

Early voting is available 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday, at the Roseau School District Office, 509 3rd St. NE. Election Day voting will take place 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4, at the Roseau City Center.

Visit the Roseau Community School District website for more information.

Wadena-Deer Creek

Wadena-Deer Creek Schools is asking voters to approve a replacement to its current operating levy, which funds the district at a level of $563.29 per pupil through Dec. 31, 2029. The new levy would be $938.29 per pupil for five years. This is an increase of $375 and will raise an additional $429,752 per year.

The district reports it is asking for a levy increase because without an increase, significant budget reductions will need to be made for the 2026-27 school year. These reductions would be on top of the roughly $1.6 million in reductions that have been made over the past two years. Cuts have included eliminating a school resource officer, librarian, physical education teacher, five elementary school positions, a mental health therapist and interventionists. Other positions have been reduced to half-time, and bus routes and preschool sections have been cut.

According to the district, the main factor in the projected revenue shortfall is inflation, and state funding has failed to keep up with inflation. New state mandates have added expenses for public schools recently that district officials say were not funded appropriately by the state.

Enrollment is also down over the past few years for WDC, which is a statewide trend and is also the case for all school districts in Wadena County.

If the referendum doesn’t pass this year, district officials say that elementary classes will be reduced from four sections to three, increasing class sizes by approximately seven students apiece. High school electives and extracurricular programs will also be cut.

A home valued at $200,000, which is the average in the district, would see a tax increase of $11 a month, or $131 per year. Agricultural land and seasonal and recreational property are not taxed for an operating levy. Here’s a tax calculator to understand the impact on your own taxes.

Voting will take place on Election Day at the Maslowski Wellness and Research Center. Early voting is at the auditor/treasurer’s office at the Wadena County Courthouse, 415 Jefferson St. S. The office will be open for absentee voting 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The office will also be open for absentee voting 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, and will be open until 5 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 3.

Visit the Wadena-Deer Creek Public Schools website for more information.

Walker-Hackensack-Akeley

The Walker-Hackensack-Akeley school district is proposing a two-question referendum to fund repairs and improvements to school buildings.

The first question is a $15.9 million request for critical facility repairs and safety enhancements, like a roof replacement, securing the building entrances and upgrading the heating, cooling, electrical and fire alarm systems.

The second question requests an additional $3 million to build a new bus garage and expand parking on campus.

The school’s referendum webpage states many aspects of WHA Schools’ infrastructure are worn, outdated and not up to standards. The district’s heating systems are more than 20 years old, as are several of its roof segments.

Safety improvements outlined in the district’s plan include upgrading classroom doors that can be locked from the inside and entrances at the elementary and high school buildings that would require visitors to check in at the main office before entering the building.

“The longer we wait to fix aging parts of our buildings, the more likely they are to break down, require even more expensive repairs, or stop working when we need them most,” stated the referendum webpage.

The first nearly $16 million question is not projected to have any tax impact. Debt for the proposed investments would replace debt from past maintenance that has recently been paid off, keeping the school taxes stable.

The second $3 million question is projected to have about a $12 a year impact on taxpayers with a value of $200,000 or less.

Walker-Hackensack-Akeley district voters can cast ballots early in person 8 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays at the Cass County Auditor-Treasurer's Office, 303 Minnesota Ave. W., Walker, with extended hours offered 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 3.

For the election on Tuesday, Nov. 4, voters in Boy Lake, Leech Lake, Pine Lake, Shingobee and Turtle Lake townships and the city of Walker will be able to cast ballots at the Walker Public Library, 203 Tower Ave., from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Voters in Birch Lake, Hiram, Powers and Woodrow townships and the city of Hackensack will cast ballots at the Hackensack Community Building, 310 Lake Ave. E.

Akeley-area voters, in the townships of Akeley, Badoura, Lakeport, Mantrap, Steamboat River, Thorpe and White Oak, as well as Akeley city residents, can cast ballots at Akeley City Hall, 25 Broadway St. E.

Rural township residents who automatically receive mail-in ballots in state elections will have to request one to vote by mail with this special election.

Warroad

Warroad is proposing a 10-year, $2.5 million capital projects levy to fund technology needs.

The funds would go toward curriculum enhancements and technology investments, including software, updating technology, updating and maintaining security systems and technology support personnel and staff training.

The district is shifting away from one-to-one devices, but even shared devices and staff technology costs the district a significant amount each year, it said.

If passed, the levy would increase property taxes on a $200,000 home by about $50 a year starting in 2026.

Early in-person voting is underway and can be done at the Warroad District Office through Nov. 3.

Election Day voting will be open noon-8 p.m. at the Warroad Community Center.

Additional information, including voting details and specific tax impacts, are available on the district’s website.

Win-E-Mac

The Win-E-Mac Public School District is asking voters to help increase its general education fund through an operating levy.

The district is proposing an $800 per-pupil levy that would generate around $378,000 each year for 10 years.

“Our district faces a growing budget deficit — $300,000 last year and $350,000 this year," stated the district's referendum webpage. “Without new funding, the district will be forced to make tough decisions that could include reducing teachers and staff, increasing class sizes, and cutting activities, student services, and academic programs.”

Unlike a capital levy, operating levies only apply to residential and commercial or industrial properties. Agricultural and seasonal or recreational properties would not be subjected to increased taxes from operating levies.

If the operating levy is approved, a $300,000 home in the district would see a property tax increase of about $280 per year.

To vote early by mail, absentee ballot applications can be requested online, but they must be received by Tuesday, Nov. 4, to be counted.

District voters can cast ballots early in-person at the Win-E-Mac District Office, 23130 345th St. SE in Erskine, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. weekdays. All district voters can cast ballots 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 4, at Win-E-Mac School.