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%

  

  Int'l hockey talent takes center rink at Bemidji's Sanford Center

  Teams from Slovakia, Latvia and Czechia were featured in exhibition games at Bemidji's Sanford Center Dec. 19-22, 2025, ahead of the World Jr. Men's Hockey Tournament.

  

  Int'l hockey talent takes center rink at Bemidji Sanford Center

  Hockey teams from Slovakia, Czechia and Latvia competed in exhibition games at Bemidji's Sanford Event Center Dec. 19-22, 2025.

  

  Forest products you may not know: Siding from sustainable aspen forests

  Brian Gulseth and Jerry Asmus from LP discuss SmartSide products, made from local aspen. The "Forest products" series is produced by Mark Jacobs.

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%

Katherine Rundell's 'The Poisoned King' a thrilling sequel

English writer Katherine Rundell continues to weave dazzling stories in "The Poisoned King," book 2 in the Impossible Creatures series. With castles, dragons, and revenge, this is a thrilling and enjoyable read for ages 10 and up.

Holiday and Best of 2025 specials from the KAXE Music Team

Tune in throughout the holiday season for a year-end Spin that Ish, top album countdown, Dave Simonett guest DJ and more from the KAXE Music Team.

Your property tax statement explained, Part 2: Credits, levies and 'the pie'

The KAXE News Team is breaking down your property tax statement, line by line. Next, credits, local government's preliminary tax levies and how others' value changes affect your taxes.

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%

Brainerd man pleads guilty to 2024 murder, kidnapping; Former MN GOP Chair Hahn announces US Senate run

Plus: More fraud uncovered in state-run Medicaid services, but total is disputed; and MPCA to study sulfate levels in Minnesota waters.

PCA to study sulfate levels in MN waters as mine permits await decision

The agency did not issue a determination on permits at U.S. Steel’s Keetac mine, which is expected in February 2026 ahead of the Legislature convening.

Walz calls $9B fraud estimate in MN-run Medicaid services ‘sensationalized’

Officials cast doubt on a federal prosecutor’s estimate that fraud in state-run Medicaid programs since 2018 could total over $9 billion.

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%

US Attorney: Fraud likely exceeds $9 billion in MN-run Medicaid services

Providers in 14 “high-risk,” state-run Medicaid programs being audited by the state have billed $18 billion since 2018, and “half or more” is possibly fraudulent, Joe Thompson said.

With a final look, Biwabik trims tax levy to 24.7%

City cuts increase from nearly 30% as it weighs cutting public works position and awaits a potential $191,000 land sale.

Cookies become our holiday currency, according to Amy Thielen

Amy Thielen joined the KAXE Morning Show for a live conversation about holiday baking traditions.

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%

Events Up North Dec. 23-Jan. 5: Kids' New Year's celebration in Brainerd, storytelling near Palisade

Events over the next two weeks include two activities at Lake Bemidji State Park, a hockey tournament in Baxter and the First Friday Art Walk in Grand Rapids.

Respiratory diseases ramp up in MN; Essentia-Virginia nurses approve union contract

Plus U.S. senators check in on status of postal delivery in the Minnesota-North Dakota district after recent woes; and a new coalition looks to reset the green building conversation.

MN building coalition strives for a new sustainability spirit

High‑performance and low‑emissions are key goals laid out by the recently launched Minnesota Efficient Builders Coalition.

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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Essentia Health-Virginia nurses ratify union contract agreement

The agreement with the Minnesota Nurses Association was reached after 10 bargaining sessions beginning in July 2025.

Respiratory illnesses in MN on the rise as flu hospitalizations double

Hospitalization data from the Minnesota Department of Health released Dec. 18, 2025, shows a steep climb in those suffering from influenza.

Crosby, Thief River among cities awarded funds to replace lead pipes

The awards under the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority largely fund the replacement of lead service lines with copper, in addition to other statewide projects.

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%

Blizzard, freezing drizzle prompts road closures, travel advisories; schools close

"No Travel Advised" means the visibility has been reduced to the point that it is very dangerous to travel in parts of Minnesota.

Season Watch Pod: What makes a birder a birder?

In this episode, co-hosts Heidi Holtan, Charlie Mitchell, and special guest Malachy Koons discuss qualifications involved in becoming a birder and discover a new word: Snarge.

Baxter PD arrest 14-year-old student after school threat; Carnahan declines to resign as mayor of Nisswa

Plus: Red Lake Nation's NativeCare cannabis operation plans to open dispensaries in Thief River Falls and the metro; Attorney General Keith Ellison announced a $500M settlement with Hyundai and Kia over anti-theft devices; and MN DEED announced more than $91M in Public Facilities Authority awards for clean drinking water projects.

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%

AG Ellison announces $500M settlement with Kia and Hyundai

Investigations into the car manufacturers found they knowingly failed to install industry-standard anti-theft technology in vehicles sold in Minnesota and elsewhere.

'Life-threatening' travel conditions possible in NW MN with wind, snow and cold

Most of the Northland will be impacted by some combination of freezing rain, heavy snow, high winds and low temperatures Dec. 17-18, 2025.

Cass County woman earns state 2025 Community Conservationist award

Kathy Wagner of Wabedo Township has done decades of conservation work, both on her own property and throughout Cass County.

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 admin announces ‘targeted review’ of MN’s unemployment insurance program

The labor department sent a letter asserting recent news reports of fraud in MN's Medicaid-funded human services programs could signal fraud and abuse in unemployment benefits.

Red Lake announces plans to open dispensaries in Thief River Falls, metro

The Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians is the sixth of Minnesota's 11 federally recognized tribes to sign a cannabis compact with the state of Minnesota.

Free meal org Community Cafe moving to the Itasca County Family YMCA

Meal service at the YMCA in Grand Rapids will begin Jan. 6, 2026, and take place 4:30-6 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday.

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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Carnahan declines to resign as mayor of Nisswa as actions are scrutinized

The embattled former GOP chair is in her first year as mayor of Nisswa, with fellow council members making moves to censure her at a meeting in January 2026.

Baxter PD arrests student after threats to Forestview Middle School

The unnamed 14-year-old male student was taken into custody and transported to a juvenile detention facility without incident.

Walz admin expands fraud probe, plans pause on licensing adult day cares

The number of adult day cares, which provide meals and activities for disabled adults during the day, already have capacity for about 3,000 more people than currently receive services.

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%

Sale of Minnesota Power to private equity firms is official

The sale of ALLETE closed Dec. 15, 2025. The Public Utilities Commission approved the controversial move in October.

Starlings beset John Latimer's bird feeder

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When will a willow grow pinecones?

During the week of Dec. 16, 2025, we enjoy reports of galls, eagles, and frigid weather. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

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%

Area Voices: Bemidji students participate in Empty Bowls project

For the fourth time, Bemidji High School students are participating in the Empty Bowls project at the Wild Hare in Bemidji. Teacher Sarah Stewart talks about the project and why it’s important for students to get involved.

Area Voices: Beltrami County History Center hosts ‘Art is HERstory’ reception

Throughout 2025, the Beltrami County History Center had classes and exhibits featuring local women artists. A reception and sale is planned in early 2026.

The Setlist: Where to hear live music Dec. 18-21, 2025

KAXE's weekly list of concerts near you features Ditty Wish and the Green Light Band, No Rest for the Pickers, Liam Larson, rotten sardines, Blackfishbleu and more.

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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State pauses licensure for adult day centers; Feds announce unemployment insurance probe

Plus: Clipper expected to bring wind, snow and possible rain; Community Cafe moves to YMCA; and a Cass County woman is honored for conservation efforts.

Chris Kraus’s book features true crime, addiction on the Iron Range

Chris Kraus’s new novel “The Four Spent the Day Together” is a novel in three parts highlighting addiction and the ever-widening gulf between the rich and poor. It includes a fictionalized retelling of a 2019 kidnapping and murder in Hibbing, Minnesota.

KAXE hosts and staff get to gifting: Our top picks

KAXE staff and hosts give ideas for holiday gifts inspired by KAXE and nature.