Election 2025: Northern Minnesota school board and referendum results

Last updated 2:45 a.m. Nov. 5.

Thirteen school districts across rural Northern Minnesota are seeking voter approval of referendums Tuesday, Nov. 4, and two have contested school board races.

The following results are unofficial and include only contested races.

Elections

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

Aitkin, Badger, Clearbrook-Gonvick, Cook County, Crosby-Ironton, Deer River, Hibbing, Lake of the Woods, Roseau, Wadena-Deer Creek, Walker-Hackensack-Akeley, Warroad & Win-E-Mac are the districts with special elections.

School Districts

Aitkin

1/1 precincts reporting, 100%

Question 1: Shall the school board of Independent School District No. 1 (Aitkin Public Schools) be authorized to issue its general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $59,440,000 to provide funds for the acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities, including the construction and equipping of a new PreK-6 elementary school and transportation center?

• Yes, 1,549, 46.91%
• No, 1,760 , 53.19%

Question 2: If School District Question 1 is approved, shall the school board of Independent School District No. 1 (Aitkin Public Schools) also be authorized to issue its general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $6,000,000 to provide funds for the acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities, including the construction and equipping of a new community wellness and recreation center attached to the new elementary school?

• Yes, 1,419, 43.29%

• No, 1,859, 56.71%

  

  No evidence of stabbing in Breezy Point, despite large police response

  Officers from multiple agencies converged in Breezy Point Tuesday afternoon, May 19, 2026, but police said they've found no evidence of a crime.

  

  Itasca County Board votes to fly both state flags

  The Itasca County Board of Commissioners decided May 19, 2026, to fly both the 2023 and 1983 versions of the Minnesota state flag outside the government center in Grand Rapids.

  

  Area Voices: Nathan Bray ‘captures history on something permanent’

  Nathan Bray’s new exhibit, “We Are All Human,” is at the Ripple River Gallery in Deerwood. Bray joins “Area Voices” to talk about this journey with art.

Badger

1/1 precincts reporting, 100%

Question 1: Shall the board of Independent School District No. 676 (Badger Public Schools) be authorized to issue general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $5.340,000 for acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities, including, but not limited to, deferred capital maintenance, boiler and HVAC systems upgrades and improvements, new exterior windows and doors, and existing restrooms remodeling?

• Yes, 210, 63.83%
• No, 119, 36.17%

Question 2: The board of Independent School District No. 676 (Badger), Minnesota has proposed to increase the School District's general education revenue by $429 per pupil, subject to an annual increase at the rate of inflation. The proposed new referendum revenue authorization would be first levied in 2025 for taxes payable in 2026 and applicable for ten (10) years unless otherwise revoked or reduced as provided by law. Shall the new referendum revenue authorization proposed by the board of Independent School District No. 676 (Badger), Minnesota be approved?

• Yes, 179, 54.91%
• No, 147, 45.09%

Question 3: If School District Questions 1 and 2 above are approved, shall the board of Independent School District No. 676 (Badger Public School) be authorized to issue general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $11,240,000 for acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities including, but not limited to, construction and equipping of classroom additions to the school site and facility; improvements to repurpose and remodel existing classroom spaces; construction and equipping of a new gymnasium facility including weight room, concessions, restrooms and locker rooms; construction and equipping of new career and technical education (CTE) spaces?

• Yes, 140, 43.34%
• No, 183, 56.66%

Fungi of the forest: How decomposers dance through the woodland web

Jonathan Schilling, a mycologist with the U of MN, discusses wood-eating fungi. The dead and dying trees series is produced by Mark Jacobs.

The Setlist: Where to hear live music May 22-24, 2026

KAXE's weekly list of concerts near you features Known Only Locally, PK Mayo Electric Quartet, Drew Peterson and Brothers Burn Mountain.

Bright Spot: Walk to D-Feet Hearing Loss returns for 6th year

Minnesota Lions Hearing Foundation's annual Walk to D-Feet Hearing Loss returns to Bemidji on Saturday, June 6, 2026, beginning at Diamond Point Park.

Clearbrook-Gonvick

1/1 precincts reporting, 100%

Question: Shall the school board of Independent School District No. 2311 (Clearbrook-Gonvick Public School) be authorized to issue its general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $34,930,000 to provide funds for the acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities, including the construction of a secure entrance; the construction and equipping of classroom, special education and agriculture, industrial and trade technology (CTE) additions to the school site and facility; the construction of an elementary physical education space-gymnasium; the installation of a new roof and exterior doors; renovations and remodeling of the media center, commons areas and restrooms; upgrades to flooring and finishes; the acquisition and installation of furniture, fixtures and equipment; and upgrades and improvements to early childhood special education spaces and the early childhood playground?

• Yes, 405, 46.12%
• No, 473, 53.88%

How MN lawmakers defied expectations to pass affordable housing law

State lawmakers and experts said the Minnesota affordable housing bill will save thousands from eviction but also isn’t enough.

Who would pet a porcupette?

During the week of May 19, 2026, we enjoy reports of porcupettes, nesting loons, and a badger wandering in Little Falls. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

Spring 2026 dawdles as it works its way north

During the Phenology Report for the week of May 19, 2026 Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on the late spring, a profusion of warblers, and the emerging greenery.

Cook County

1/1 precincts reporting, 100%

Question: Shall the board of Independent School District No. 166 (Cook County Schools), Minnesota, be authorized to issue general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $6,650,000 for the acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities including, but not limited to, districtwide performing arts improvements, outdoor learning space upgrades, and a multi-functional outdoor physical education space with a track and synthetic turf surface?

• Yes, 1,228, 52.68%
• No, 1,103, 47.32%

More details emerge as Google, Hermantown work out data center agreements

Hermantown officials are considering a tax abatement agreement with Google as more details emerge and debate surrounds a proposed data center development.

See who's running for office in Northern Minnesota

Candidates running for state office, U.S. Senate or House, the state Legislature, county office and in some cities and school districts have until June 2, 2026, to file.

I (peli)can't believe it: Pelicans' remarkable disappearing act

Pam Perry, retired DNR non-game wildlife biologist, joined KAXE staff phenologist John Latimer and Heidi Holtan to talk about warblers, pelicans, and the Merlin birding app.

Crosby-Ironton

4/4 precincts reporting, 100%

Question: The school board of Independent School District No. 182 (Crosby-Ironton Schools) has proposed to increase its general education revenue by $1,521 per pupil. The proposed referendum revenue authorization would be applicable for ten years beginning with taxes payable in 2026, and increase each year by the rate of inflation beginning with taxes payable in 2027, unless otherwise revoked or reduced as provided by law. Shall the increase in the revenue proposed by the school board of Independent School District No. 182 be approved?

• Yes, 2,241, 68.45%
• No, 1,262, 31.55%

Cass County Board will not require leave for deputy running for sheriff

County Attorney Ben Lindstrom says Deputy Aaron Ammerman violated policy and engaged in "unbecoming conduct," but Ammerman says Lindstrom is tampering with the election.

Former Hill City cop accused of sexual assault; Grand jury indicts in Hibbing murder

Plus: the DNR has identified the origin point and people of interest in the Flanders Fire; Bemidji bus drivers advocate for better pay before School Board; and Itasca County votes to fly two different state flags.

Former Hill City police officer accused of sexual assault of 17-year-old

Jordan Zempel, 35, of Apple Valley, faces a third-degree criminal sexual conduct charge for sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl.

Deer River (elect one)

4/4 precincts reporting, 100%

• Richard Fieldsend, 420, 47.35%
• LuAnn Robinson (incumbent), 450, 50.73%
• Write-in, 17, 1.92%

Question 1: The school board of Independent School District No. 317 (Deer River Schools) has proposed a capital project levy authorization of 3.945% times the net tax capacity of the school district. The money raised from the capital project levy authorization will provide funds for school district technology, including technology systems related to safety and security, classroom and building technology, digital curriculum, support and maintenance of software, software licenses, computers, technology infrastructure and network improvements, device replacement, and to pay the costs of technology related personnel and training. The proposed capital project levy authorization will raise approximately $500,000 for taxes payable in 2026, the first year it is to be levied, and would be authorized for ten years. The estimated total costs of the projects to be funded over that time period is approximately $5,000,000. Shall the capital project levy proposed by the school board of Independent School District No. 317 be approved?

• Yes, 392, 37.16%
• No, 663, 62.84%

Question 2: The school board of Independent School District No. 317 (Deer River Schools) has also proposed to increase its general education revenue by $300 per pupil. The proposed referendum revenue authorization would be applicable for ten years beginning with taxes payable in 2026, and increase each year by the rate of inflation beginning with taxes payable in 2027, unless otherwise revoked or reduced as provided by law. Shall the increase in the revenue proposed by the school board of Independent School District No. 317 be approved?

• Yes,389, 36.77%
• No, 669, 63.23%

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Grand jury indicts man with first-degree murder in Hibbing shooting

Daniel Dale of Hoyt Lakes made his first court appearance May 19, 2026, on the upgraded felony charge. He remains in custody in the St. Louis County Jail.

Stewart Trail Fire on North Shore is 100% contained

Accurate mapping of the fire perimeter led to the fire size increasing to 356 acres. The wildfire destroyed 34 structures and was caused by a power line.

DNR identifies origin point, people of interest in Flanders Fire

The fire, which began May 16, 2026, burned around 1,666 acres in Crow Wing County. The DNR asks residents and others in the area with information to contact them.

Hibbing

1/1 precincts reporting, 100%

Question 1: The school board of Independent School District No. 701 (Hibbing Public Schools) has proposed to increase its general education revenue by $603.00 per pupil, subject to an annual increase at the rate of inflation. The proposed referendum revenue authorization would first be levied in 2025 for taxes payable in 2026 and would be applicable for ten (10) years unless otherwise revoked or reduced by law. Shall the increase in general education revenue proposed by the school board of Independent School District No. 701 (Hibbing Public Schools) be approved?

• Yes, 1,191, 34.60%
• No, 2,251, 65.40%

Question 2: The school board of Independent School District No. 701 (Hibbing Public Schools) has proposed a capital project levy authorization of 8.767% times the net tax capacity of the school district. The proposed capital project levy authorization will raise approximately $1,300,000 for taxes first levied in 2025, payable 2026, and would be authorized for ten (10) years. The estimated total cost of the projects to be funded over that time period is approximately $1,300,000. The proposed authorization will provide funds to finance the purchase and installation of software and technology equipment; costs related to the support and maintenance of technology; costs related to training staff in the use of technology; and the purchase and installation of classroom and curriculum technology. Shall the capital project levy proposed by the school board of Independent School District No. 701 (Hibbing Public Schools) be approved?

• Yes, 1,085, 31.55%
• No, 2,354, 68.45%

Beyond the Voice: Julie Crabb

Get to know the volunteers behind the mic on KAXE. This week, we find out more from the longtime "Green Cheese" and "The Dark Side of Love" host and volunteer Julie Crabb.

Flanders Fire containment rises to 60%; residents return to assess damage

About a half-inch of rain fell across the area overnight into Tuesday, and crews are expected to return to work on securing and improving the fire lines again.

Flanders Fire burns 1600 acres near Crosslake; Stewart Trail Fire caused by power line

And: A rural Orr man was arrested for allegedly shooting a firefighting plane; the Legislature passed a bonding bill; and filings open for public office Tuesday.

Lake of the Woods

1/1 precincts reporting, 100%

Question: The school board of Independent School District No. 390 (Lake of the Woods) has proposed a project for the acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities, including roof repairs, exterior masonry; window replacements; flooring repair; the construction of site safety and traffic flow improvements to the school site and facility; the completion of various deferred maintenance and infrastructure projects at that facility; the acquisition, installation, replacement, support and maintenance of software, educational software, software licenses, computers, improved technology equipment, networks, infrastructure, the costs of technology related personnel and training; the purchase and replacement of school buses and school-related transportation vehicles; and the acquisition of curriculum, textbooks and materials. To provide funds for a portion of the project costs, the school board has proposed to issue general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $5,000,000. To provide funds for the remaining portion of the project costs, the school board has proposed a capital project levy authorization in the amount of 4.969% times the net tax capacity of the school district. The proposed capital project levy will raise approximately $400,000 for taxes payable in 2026, the first year it is to be levied, and would be authorized for ten (10) years. The estimated total cost of the projects to be funded by the capital project levy authorization is approximately $4,000,000. The projects to be funded have received a positive review and comment from the Commissioner of Education. Shall the issuance of the general obligation school building bonds and the capital project levy authorization proposed by the school board of Independent School District No. 390 be approved?

• Yes, 397, 57.87%
• No, 289, 42.13%

MN Legislature closes out session marked by partisan division, election year politics

In their final hours before the session ended, lawmakers passed a county hospital bailout, an infrastructure bill and small cuts to car tab fees and property taxes.

Breaking down the Legislature's $1.2 billion bonding bill

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Fresh Picks: Adulting, high-energy rap, Latin dance duo and Dolly in '76

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Littlefork-Big Falls (elect one)

2/2 precincts reporting, 100%

• Delane Klemetsen, 130, 49.24%
• Chelsey Melander (incumbent), 134, 50.76%
• Write-in, 0, 0.00%

Elections

Littlefork-Big Falls School Board 2025 Election Guide

Delane Klemetsen and Chelsey Melander are running for I.S.D. 362, Littlefork-Big Falls, School Board.

Roseau

1/1 precincts reporting, 100%

Question: The board of Independent School District No. 682 (Roseau Public Schools), Minnesota has proposed to increase the School District's general education revenue by $1,000 per pupil, subject to an annual increase at the rate of inflation. The proposed new referendum revenue authorization would be first levied in 2025 for taxes payable in 2026 and applicable for ten (10) years unless otherwise revoked or reduced as provided by law. Shall the new referendum revenue authorization proposed by the board of Independent School District No. 682 (Roseau Public Schools), Minnesota be approved?

• Yes, 945, 55.72%
• No, 751, 44.28%

Rural Orr man arrested for allegedly shooting firefighting plane

Firefighters responded to a wildland fire between Orr and Crane Lake on Friday, May 15, 2026. After returning to the airport, it was learned a bullet appeared to have struck one of the planes.

Flanders Fire estimated at 1600 acres, 20% contained; County Hwy 11 reopens

Evacuated homeowners will be able to return to their properties for the day, Monday, May 18, 2026. Crow Wing County declared a local emergency, the first step toward state disaster aid.

Virtual book club connects rural Minnesota teens

Reaching Rural Readers sends free books to rural Minnesota high school students. This summer's list includes books by Dawn Quigley, K. Woodman-Maynard, and Kenneth Cadow.

Wadena-Deer Creek

1/1 precincts reporting, 100%

Question: The board of Independent School District No. 2155 (Wadena-Deer Creek), Minnesota has proposed to revoke the School District's existing voter approved referendum revenue authorization of $563.29 per pupil and to replace that authorization with a new authorization of $938.29 per pupil, increasing the School District's general education revenue by $375 per pupil. The proposed referendum revenue authorization would be first levied in 2025 for taxes payable in 2026 and applicable for five (5) years unless otherwise revoked or reduced as provided by law. Shall the existing referendum revenue authorization be revoked and the new authorization proposed by the board of Independent School District No. 2155 (Wadena-Deer Creek), Minnesota be approved?

• Yes, 579, 30.25%
• No, 1,335, 69.75%

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Up North Lookback 1976: Worst fire danger in history; Poodle saves master

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More details emerge on Hermantown data center plans amid discourse

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Updates on Crow Wing County's Flanders Fire

Wildland firefighters are working on containment and mopping up hot spots for a wildfire that began Saturday afternoon, May 16, 2026, southeast of Crosslake.

Walker-Hackensack-Akeley

3/3 precincts reporting, 100%

Question 1: Shall the board of Independent School District No. 113 (Walker-Hackensack-Akeley), Minnesota, be authorized to issue general obligation school building bonds in an amount
not to exceed $15,900,000 for acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities including, but not limited to, safety and security upgrades, deferred capital maintenance projects, accessibility improvements, classroom updates and track and field improvements?

• Yes, 813, 69.02%
• No, 365, 30.98%

Question 2: If School District Question 1 above is approved, shall the board of Independent School District No. 113 (Walker-Hackensack-Akeley), Minnesota, be authorized to issue general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $3,000,000 for acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities including, but not limited to, an additional parking lot and construction of a new bus maintenance shop?

• Yes, 765, 65.22%
• No, 408, 34.78%

Senate votes to cut funding for Friends of the Boundary Waters; Klobuchar's Rural Broadband Protection Act becomes law

Plus: Minnesota partners want you to help track wildlife collisions; and DNR upgrades four fishing piers in Northern Minnesota.

Crews battle wildfire threatening Gilbert amid extreme fire danger

St. Louis County Sheriff Gordon Ramsay said the fire was one of at least a half-dozen blazes in the county as high winds, low humidity and drought conditions persisted.

Minnesota partners want you to help track wildlife collisions

Researchers are asking Minnesotans to count roadkill during Wildlife Casualty Count Week of Action, May 22-29, 2026, to help inform problem areas so that protections can be added.

Warroad

1/1 precincts reporting, 100%

Question: The board of Independent School District No. 690 (Warroad), Minnesota has proposed a capital project levy authorization in the maximum amount of 2.90948% times the net tax capacity of the School District. The proposed capital project levy authorization will raise approximately $250,000 for taxes first levied in 2025, payable in 2026, and will be authorized for ten (10) years. The estimated total cost of the projects to be funded over that time period is approximately $2,500,000. The proposed authorization will provide funds to finance the purchase and installation of software and technology equipment; costs related to the support and maintenance of technology; costs related to training staff in the use of technology; and the purchase and installation of classroom and curriculum technology. Shall the capital project levy authorization to fund technology proposed by the board of Independent School District No. 690 (Warroad), Minnesota be approved?

• Yes, 232, 63.02%
• No, 412, 63.98%

DNR upgrades fishing piers at Cuyuna rec area, Little Emily, Vermilion lakes

The agency said it is also close to finishing upgrades on the pier on Sand Lake near Warba.

Partisan conflict in MN House threatens to hold up $200M in conservation funds

The Legislature must take action by Sunday night, May 17, 2026, to avoid the impacts on the Outdoor Heritage Fund projects set to begin or continue in coming months.

Eichorn pleads guilty to child porn charge; Lawmakers strike deal to end session

Plus: Dry, windy weather creates dangerous conditions across the state; and Wrenshall school district voters give the OK for consolidation with Carlton.

Win-E-Mac

1/1 precincts reporting, 100%

Question: The school board of Independent School District No. 2609 (Win-E-Mac) has proposed to increase its general education revenue by $800 per pupil, subject to an annual increase at the rate of inflation. The proposed referendum revenue authorization would first be levied in 2025 for taxes payable in 2026 and would be applicable for ten (10) years unless otherwise revoked or reduced by law. Shall the increase in general education revenue proposed by the school board of Independent School District No. 2609 (Win-E-Mac) be approved?

• Yes, 273, 57.72%
• No, 200, 42.28%

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Legislative deal: Hospital bailout, bonding bill, cuts to property taxes and car tab fees

The deal is Gov. Tim Walz’s last, as his term ends in January and he’s not seeking reelection. The deadlocked Minnesota House — jointly controlled by Republicans and Democrats — has tempered Walz’s ambitions.

AI, karma and nighthawks: Rich Mattson, Germaine Gemberling on 'Wake Up Songs'

The Minnesota music mainstays stopped by KAXE in March 2026 to play and talk about songs from their latest album.

Ex-Sen. Justin Eichorn pleads guilty to lesser child pornography charge

The guilty plea comes more than a year after the Grand Rapids Republican's arrest as part of an undercover law enforcement sting operation.