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%

  

  Operation: Service Story records northeastern Minnesota veterans' experiences

  A veteran and historian share their experience with the program from the United Way of Northeastern Minnesota. Veterans from the Iron Range and Koochiching and Lake of the Woods counties can participate.

  

  Veteran, historian urge veterans to share their stories

  The United Way of Northeastern Minnesota's Operation: Service Story collects oral histories for Iron Range and Koochiching and Lake of the Woods counties service members.

  

  AG Ellison to host multiple community forums in Northern Minnesota

  Forums will be in Grand Rapids, Ely and Hibbing, with a special event focused on veterans issued scheduled for 4-5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025, in Grand Rapids.

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%

Northlanders break 4 section records on path to state swimming and diving meet

Dozens of Northern Minnesota student-athletes from nine area schools, including Grand Rapids and Bemidji, will compete at the 2025 state swimming and diving meet this week.

Meeting set on Aurora corridor redesign plans, including mini roundabout

St. Louis County Public Works engineers completed design work for the reconstruction of County Highway 100 in Aurora, with a design meeting scheduled Nov. 13, 2025.

Leech Lake Tribal College kicks off presidential search

The Leech Lake Tribal College will host four public forums on Nov. 12, 2025, as it forms a profile to guide its search for a new college president.

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%

Fresh Picks: Legendary soul icon, garage country and a warm and expressive baritone

The KAXE Music Team highlights recent singles and albums you should listen to, including releases from Mavis Staples, William Prince, Khruangbin, Dessa, Aubrie Sellers and more.

Brainerd man dies after vehicle leaves Hwy 18, strikes tree

The Minnesota State Patrol reported William James Gardner was traveling westbound at 6:50 p.m. Nov. 7, 2025, in a 2004 Honda Civic, when the crash occurred.

Bemidji senior Abby Daman is KAXE's 1st North Star Student

Abby Daman's coaches said she is a "strong silent example of what hard work can look like." Her work ethic and positive attitude are why she's KAXE's first-ever North Star Student.

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%

Boat recovered after fatal drowning; Somber reminder for hunters headed into woods

Plus: FEMA disaster recovery centers open on Leech Lake Reservation; Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan makes campaign stop in Grand Rapids; and Northland teams see mixed results in state tourneys.

October's Spin that Ish from the KAXE Music Team

Check out new songs and albums from Brandi Carlile, Genesis Owusu, Blue Moon Marquee and Northern Cree and more in this month's edition of Spin that Ish.

Deer hunters encouraged to report suspicious items found in the woods

State and local law enforcement officials have somber reminders for hunters to keep an eye out for signs of missing persons while heading into the woods this firearms season.

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%

Flanagan campaigns for Senate in Grand Rapids, on Iron Range

Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan is running against Rep. Angie Craig for the DFL nomination in the race to fill retiring Sen. Tina Smith's seat.

FEMA disaster centers open to Leech Lake Band members, descendants

Leech Lake Band members and their descendants are eligible to receive individual assistance from FEMA following the June 21, 2025, windstorm that swept through the western portion of the reservation.

Divers recover boat from bottom of Lake of the Woods after fatal drowning

On Oct. 18, 2025, 69-year-old Brian Herridge of Minnesota and 69-year-old Lorie Bryngelson of Colorado went into the water when the boat capsized.

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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Events Up North Nov. 10-16: Veterans Day programs, 'Anne of Green Gables'

Events this week include a Mesabi Community Band concert in Eveleth, an arts fundraiser in Bemidji and a 'Nutcracker' story time in Grand Rapids.

Beltrami County Board hears from library, museum ahead of funding cuts; MnDOT hosts packed Baxter open house on 'buttonhook' highway design

Plus: the city of Walker is accepting applications to fill a vacancy on the Walker City Council, with applications due by noon on Nov. 26, 2025.

Budget-beleaguered Bemidji Library, Beltrami museum appeal to County Board

The Beltrami County Board heard from the Kitchigami Regional Library System and Beltrami County Historical Society after voting to reduce funding for the institutions in 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%

City of Walker seeks to fill council vacancy by appointment

The vacancy was created by the resignation of Char Moore, who began her most recent term in January 2025. The appointed councilmember's term would last through December 2026.

Season Watch Pod: Other birds shriek as shrikes seek prey

In this episode, co-hosts Heidi Holtan and Charlie Mitchell delight in Northern Shrikes, community science projects, and listen to alarm calls from common birds.

Bright Spot: Trunk-or-treat concept inspires tailgate pantry in Bemidji

With SNAP benefits impacted, a group of residents are doing what they can to help by having a tailgate pantry event 3-5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, in the Paul Bunyan Mall parking lot.

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%

Transparency, grassroots support credited in C-I referendum victory

Crosby-Ironton saw its third attempt at an operating levy in as many years pass: a resounding 68.5% of the more than 3,500 people who voted said yes.

Meet Bemidji swimmer Abby Daman, KAXE's 1st North Star Student

Abby Daman's coaches said she is a "strong silent example of what hard work can look like." Her work ethic and positive attitude are why she's KAXE's first-ever North Star Student.

Hoyt Lakes man charged in Hibbing murder; Groups sue over Hermantown data center

And: Minnesota school districts unpack the results of Tuesday's special elections.

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%

Environmental groups sue Hermantown over data center review process

In a lawsuit filed Nov. 5, 2025, the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy joined the grassroots Stop the Hermantown Data Center group to demand further environmental review on a proposed data center.

For MN's climate action vision, powerful peatlands look for a spot

According to The Pew Charitable Trusts, peatlands hold an estimated 30% of the soil’s stored carbon pollution and twice as much as the world’s forests.

Hoyt Lakes man charged with murder of 24-year-old Hibbing man

Daniel James Dale faces up to 40 years in prison if convicted of second degree intentional murder. He allegedly shot and killed Parker Johnson in Hibbing on Nov. 2, 2025.

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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Roseau pilot's crash landing prompts legal test of tribal 'no fly zone'

A Roseau man made an emergency landing within Red Lake Nation on Oct. 15, 2025, and tribal authorities impounded his aircraft, citing a 1978 resolution prohibiting low-altitude flights.

Area Voices: Comedian Mary Mack returns to Bemidji

Comedian Mary Mack makes her return to Bemidji for a comedy hour at 7 p.m. on Nov. 7, 2025, at the Rail River Folk School.

The Setlist: Where to hear live music Nov. 6-8, 2025

KAXE's weekly list of concerts near you features Rich Mattson, Michaela James, Annie Humphrey and Kelly Hunt.

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%

Late fall in MN features migratory arrivals from the Arctic

During the Phenology Report for the week of Nov. 4, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer covers November phenology, Northern Shrikes, and Pine and Evening Grosbeaks.

Students remind us of the treasure hidden in lawn leaf litter

During the week of Nov. 4, 2025, we enjoy reports of Snow Buntings, busy squirrels, and overwintering insects. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

Northern MN school districts see mixed success on funding asks

Plus: The Red Lake Nation issued a statement seeking to clarify the justifications for impounding a Roseau man's vintage aircraft following an emergency landing within the reservation on Oct. 15, 2025.

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%

Northern MN voters weigh raising taxes to pay for schools

Repairing or replacing aging facilities, modernizing technology or simply adding more operating dollars to the bottom line were among the asks school districts put forth.

Nisswa's Grassroots Concerts to continue with local folk musician at helm

Brainerd musician Kelley Smith was announced as the new artistic director of the long-running concert series on July 25, 2025.

Repeats and rematches: 8 Northland football teams earn state berths

Grand Rapids, Mahnomen/Waubun, Cromwell-Wright Area, Fertile-Beltrami, Moose Lake/Willow River, Barnum, Kittson County Central and Cook County will play in the 2025 tournament.

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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Minnesota accepting public comments on updated climate action plan

The updates include a stronger focus on collaboration, community benefits and workforce needs, according to Our Minnesota Climate. It also includes greenhouse gas forecasting.

Food, shelter and a nice long nap: The bear's necessities of autumn

Andy Tri joined the "KAXE Morning Show" to chat about bear behavior. He is the bear project leader with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Forest Wildlife Populations and Research Group.

Fresh Picks: Powwow meets the blues and a gorgeous Adrianne Lenker cover

The KAXE Music Team highlights recent singles and albums you should listen to, including releases from Snocaps, Genesis Owusu, David Huckfelt and The Belair Bomb Lips.