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%

  

  Lumber giants finalize merger as Bemidji mill lawsuits continue; Hibbing city workers' union files intent to strike

  Plus: the Minnesota State Patrol recently honored troopers and citizens for their heroic actions; and high school Nordic skiiers will soon compete in Biwabik.

  

  Republican state Rep. Ben Davis announces reelection bid in District 6A

  Davis, of Crow Wing County's Mission Township, was first elected to the state Legislature in 2022.

  

  First 'Spin That Ish' of 2026 from the KAXE Music Team

  The KAXE Music Team talks their favorite music from January like Dry Cleaning, Courtney Marie Andrews, Tinariwen and Samm Henshaw.

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%

PotlatchDeltic, Rayonier finalize merger; Harassment suits in Bemidji mill continue

The merged company now owns more than 4 million acres in forest holdings across the U.S. PotlatchDeltic denies any allegations of wrongdoing at Bemidji mill in new court filings.

Bright Spot: Bridges of Hope to host Mt. Ski Gull mattress race fundraiser

Bridges of Hope serves the Brainerd area through a warming shelter, Operation Sandwich and more. "Hope on the Slopes" sliding event is 6 p.m. Feb. 12, 2026, at Mount Ski Gull.

Events Up North Feb. 10-15: Lots of local theater, curling watch parties

Events this week include a classic movie in Bigfork, an artist reception in Bemidji and a barn dance in Bovey.

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%

County attorneys nix sheriff-ICE proposal; MN lacks authority in White Earth cannabis case

Plus: Deer River School District considers moving to a four-day school week; and Cass County is taking comments its environmental assessment of a development near Gull Lake.

Deer River School Board to make 4-day school week decision Wednesday

Superintendent Pat Rendle will bring the alternative schedule application to the Board on Feb. 11, 2026, for what he wants to be a final decision.

PUC to host info sessions on Iron Range high-voltage transmission line project

Minnesota Power and American Transmission Co. LLC are proposing to construct approximately 67.5 miles of transmission line between Grand Rapids and Hermantown.

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%

MnDOT to host meeting on hwys 11/71 Int'l Falls corridor planning

The meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. Feb. 10, 2026, and is intended to create a common vision and guidance for improving safety and efficiency in the corridor.

MN State Patrol honors trooper who rescued woman lost in Itasca County woods

Also honored Thursday was Wendell Hudspeth with the Meritorious Citizenship Award, presented to citizens who assisted the state patrol and provided a service to the public.

David Huckfelt finds solace, camaraderie and fun on new album, 'I Was Born, But...'

Recorded live with no rehearsals and no headphones, "I Was Born, But…" reimagines songs by his favorite songwriters in this loose and playful album.

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%

Court: State lacks authority to prosecute Indian Country pot case

The court ruled that cannabis possession by Thompson, as an enrolled member on the White Earth band living on the reservation, became a civil matter once MN legalized recreational marijuana.

County attorneys nix proposal for Minnesota sheriffs to coordinate with ICE

The idea was an agreement that would allow ICE up to 48 hours to pick up undocumented individuals targeted for immigration enforcement to cooperate more fully with federal authorities.

Brainerd boys and girls Nordic ski teams to race at state

The Ely boys and Cook County girls will also compete Feb. 11-12, 2026, at Giants Ridge, along with individual qualifiers from Bemidji, Ely, Proctor-Hermantown, Grand Rapids, Two Harbors and Cloquet-Esko-Carlton.

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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Minnesota's much-maligned shrews hide evolutionary superpowers

In this episode, co-hosts Charlie Mitchell and Heidi Holtan delight in a report from Northfield and discuss critter superpowers.Send us a voice memo through Speak Pipe!

Snowmobiler dies in crash north of Orr; 700 immigration agents leaving MN

Plus: DFL, GOP host precinct caucuses across Minnesota; Bemidji State University leaders to tour Brainerd/Baxter, Grand Rapids, Iron Range; and Northland student-athletes to race at state alpine skiing tournament.

Northern Minnesotans turn out for precinct caucuses

The Republicans and DFLers hosted precinct caucus meetings across the region on Feb. 3, 2026.

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%

Gull Lake housing development environmental review open to public comment

Cass County is accepting public comment on the environmental review of Waterside Estates proposed near East Gull Lake until Feb. 26, 2026.

Alpine: Cook County boys, 8 individual Northland skiers advance to state

Student-athletes competing for Cook County, Brainerd, Proctor-Hermantown, Cloquet-Esko-Carlton and Detroit Lakes will race in the state alpine meet in Biwabik on Feb. 10, 2026.

What does it sound like when Bald Eagles kiss?

During the week of Feb. 3, 2026, we enjoy a students' approximation of Bald Eagles smooching and reports of deep cold. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

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%

Move over, melatonin: Groundhogs' supercharged hibernation hormone

In the Phenology Report for the week of Feb. 3, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on groundhog hibernation and the aggressive spirit of muskrats and shrews.

The Setlist: Where to hear live music Feb. 5-7, 2026

KAXE's weekly list of concerts near you features Erik Koskinen with Martha Scanlon and Jon Neufeld, Sam Miltich & Friends, Thomas X, Annie Humphrey and more.

Snowmobiler dies in crash north of Orr

A 57-year-old man from the south metro was killed after two snowmobiles collided on the Arrowhead Snowmobile Trail on Feb. 3, 2026.

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%

Trump administration says it’s removing 700 immigration agents from Minnesota

The move leaves roughly 2,300 agents in the state as part of Operation Metro Surge, which began late last year.

Man dies in St. Louis County's custody; In new fraud efforts, state to train 160+ staffers for site checks

Plus: Republican state rep. Ben Davis to seek reelection in 6A; the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame will stay in Eveleth; Northland students will soon perform in state tournaments; and Canada's Border Services Agency is seeking feedback on a new remote border entry program.

Canada's Border Services seeks feedback on new remote entry program

The agency states the new process will more closely align with U.S. Customs and Border Patrol measures for entering the U.S. in remote areas.

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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Brainerd, Crosby-Ironton, Bagley to dance in state tourney

All three schools’ high kick routines qualified for state, while Brainerd and Crosby-Ironton also advanced with their jazz performances.

Bagley, Two Harbors to perform at State One Act Play Festival

The two Northern Minnesota schools are among the 16 advancing from section competitions.

MN Republicans introduce bill to compel state to turn over voter data

The legislation would withhold federal election funds from Minnesota until Secretary of State Steve Simon turns over voter data requested by the Department of Justice — a request Simon says is illegal.

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%

MN Human Services recruiting 168 state employees to combat fraud

The Department of Human Services plans to "revalidate" 5,800 providers of Medicaid services deemed high risk for fraud, waste and abuse.

35-year-old man dies while in St. Louis County Jail custody

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is conducting an independent investigation of the in-custody death.

2 killed in Hermantown housing complex explosion; Rural Cass Lake couple killed after train strikes vehicle

And: Judge denies injunction to pause Operation Metro Surge; MN Congressional Republicans introduce MN Voter Integrity Act; and Sen. Tina Smith endorses Peggy Flanagan.

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%

Sen. Tina Smith endorses Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan ahead of Caucus Night

The retiring senator's endorsement in the race between Flanagan and U.S. Rep. Angie Craig comes just before party members share their thoughts on Caucus Night, Feb. 3, 2026.

2 killed in Hermantown housing complex explosion

The State Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of the explosion in a six-unit building near the Duluth Airport.

Rural Cass Lake couple killed after train strikes vehicle

Douglas and Tiffany Stewart died Jan. 30, 2026, after a train struck their vehicle west of Cass Lake in rural Hubbard County. The incident is under investigation.

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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Judge denies injunction to pause Operation Metro Surge

U.S. District Court Judge Kate Menendez said the court could not grant a pause of the surge based on the arguments in the case.

Brainerd pastor shares why she is taking a stand against ICE

The Rev. Leslie Moughty of First Congregational United Church of Christ participated in a protest in the Twin Cities against current immigration enforcement on Jan. 23, 2026.

Fresh Picks: Prayers for peace, take me out to the Ballgame, Cat Power finds the blues

The KAXE Music Team highlights recent releases you should listen to, including My Morning Jacket, Eric Bibb, Tyler Ballgame, Florence Adooni and Brother Wallace.