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%

  

  Nevis man pleads guilty to election crime; Incumbent state Sen. Paul Utke fails to gain party endorsement

  Plus: An overnight shelter in Brainerd is again seeking city approval to operate year-round; and Paul Bunyan Communications is expanding in more locations in Aitkin, Hubbard, Itasca and St. Louis counties.

  

  Nevis election judge pleads guilty to allowing unregistered voters to vote

  Timothy Scouton was charged after 11 people voted without registering to do so in Badoura Township, where he served as an election judge in 2024.

  

  Grand Itasca redesignated as Level 3 trauma hospital

  The trauma system ensures seriously injured patients quickly get care at hospitals that can meet their needs. Grand Itasca has also been designated a Primary Stroke Center.

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%

Beltrami County seeks input on safer roads planning

Federal dollars are helping the county use crash data and community feedback to craft a plan to make its roads safer for all users.

Bright Spot: Seniors invited to become foster grandparents or senior companions

Lutheran Social Service is looking for people ages 55 or older to serve as foster grandparents in area schools or as companions to older adults.

MN contends with slower population growth, matching Midwest trends

Minnesota and other Midwestern states face an uphill climb in boosting their population to maintain a strong labor force and meet other needs.

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%

Red Lake woman killed in rollover crash near TRF; Bemidji man ID'd as victim in Mississippi River crash

And: Lawmakers move to limit AI use in therapy; Sacred Bundle hosts first event in former Bemidji elementary school; and Grand Itasca redesignated Level III trauma hospital.

Fresh Picks: Future soul, Afropop, timeless Americana, higher vibrations, martini music and more

The KAXE Music Team highlights new releases from Tedeschi Trucks Band, Bill Callahan, Ireke, The Montvales, Irreversible Entanglements, Widowspeak, and Emanuela Hutter.

Sacred Bundle hosts first event at old Central Elementary School

The soft launch of the Minwaadizi Project's new space, which aims to be an "un-boarding school" community center, included a round dance and potluck.

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%

MN task forces on lowering health care costs take flight

A new statewide research project created by the Legislature is connecting the dots in trying to make health care affordable for everyone.

Red Lake woman killed in rollover crash near Thief River Falls

The Minnesota State Patrol reported the driver was not wearing a seat belt.

Bemidji man ID'd as victim of pickup truck crash into Mississippi River

The Beltrami County Sheriff's Office reports the driver veered off-road through a yard before entering the Mississippi River southeast of Bemidji.

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%

Area Voices: Husband-wife duo present ‘Wanderlust and Willow’ exhibit

Shannon Lucas and Jesse Westrum's “Wanderlust and Willow” at the Bagley Public Library features willow weaving baskets and photography from a recent trip to Ireland.

Annalee Newitz’s ‘Automatic Noodle’ is a cozy sci-fi read

Science journalist and writer Annalee Newitz’s “Automatic Noodle” features a group of robots who open a Biangbiang noodle restaurant. Will they be crushed by bad reviews?

Lawmakers debate adding safety features to bridges to prevent suicide

The proposal creates a statewide framework to evaluate whether suicide prevention measures are necessary when new bridges are built and when existing bridges are repaired.

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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Cheers! Nursing home happy hour bill headed to finish line at Capitol

Current state law prohibits these facilities from serving alcohol without a license or permit, but the process of getting the licenses can be time-consuming, expensive and redundant.

Lawmakers advance bills to lift secrecy surrounding data center projects

One would prohibit local governments from entering into NDAs with private companies. The other would require two public hearings and disclosures like the company behind the project, size and potential impacts.

MN lawmakers move to limit use of AI in mental health therapy

The bill limits permitted uses of AI to services such as transcribing and documenting sessions. A human therapist would then have to review the documents created by AI.

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%

AirCorps Aviation in Bemidji receives $762k grant to support expansion

AirCorps Aviation plans to invest nearly $1 million into an expansion project that is expected to create 14 new manufacturing jobs.

Task forces on lowering health care costs take flight; MN contends with slower population growth

And: Bemidji's Aircorps Aviation receives MN DEED grant; and Beltrami County seeks feedback for safer roads planning.

Missing International Falls man confirmed dead; Hibbing union, school district make deal, avoid strike

Plus: Bemidji Public Library to cut hours, staff; a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit by a former Rock Ridge School Board member; Northern Minnesota tribal leaders testified in the nation's capital; and Minnesota Forest Industries' Tom Radovich was appointed to the state's Forest Resources Council.

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%

Northern MN tribal leaders appear in nation's capital for testimony

The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies heard public witness testimony from American Indian and Alaska Native leaders.

Court again dismisses former Rock Ridge board member's lawsuit against district

The order filed March 16, 2026, said Pollyann Sorcan failed to state a First Amendment retaliation claim in her 2023 suit.

Nice-icles: Maples and boxelders provide a frozen sweet treat

In this episode, co-hosts Charlie Mitchell and Heather Johnson discuss how ants and plants help each other, the joys of gardening, and nature's popsicles.Send us a voice memo through Speak Pipe!

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%

Walz appoints Minnesota Forest Industries VP to Forest Resources Council

Radovich will serve the Council as the forest products industry representative. The 17-member body aims to coordinate diverse forest interests in managing the state's timber stands.

MN's only perching duck, the Wood Duck, uses tree cavities to nest

They are also the only native Minnesota birds in the "perching duck" tribe, which is distinguished by their long, clawed toes — perfect for perching in trees.

Bemidji library to cut staff, hours following County Board budget cuts

Bemidji Public Library will shift from being open six days a week to four, as well as reduce its staff by two employees.

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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Events Up North March 23-29: 'Wizard of Oz' in Grand Rapids, carving workshops at Arrowhead libraries

Events this week include local history talks in Hibbing and Bemidji, plus play auditions in Bigfork.

Hibbing support staff, school district reach agreement, delaying strike

The district will provide an agreement to union leadership by March 23, 2026, and the School Board will vote to ratify the contract at its meeting March 30.

Hibbing school support staff to strike; MN North names new president

Plus: Blackduck considers disbanding its police force; spongy moth treatments are proposed in parts of Northern Minnesota; and the Detroit Lakes HS musicians have returned from their unexpected road trip.

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%

Blackduck considers disbanding police force, contracting with sheriff

The Blackduck Police Department has a budget for a full-time chief and a full-time patrol officer, but lately, the positions have been filled part-time by Beltrami County deputies.

Spongy moth treatments proposed in Aitkin, St. Louis, Carlton, Pine counties

Management would occur by using a mating disruption product that stops males from finding females. A virtual informational public meeting will be 6-7 p.m. March 24, 2026.

Minnesota North College names new president

Jessalyn Sabin currently serves as the academic dean for career and technical education and the campus director at the Eveleth campus, positions she has held since 2021.

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%

The Setlist: Where to hear live music March 19-21, 2026

KAXE's weekly list of concerts near you features Them Coulee Boys, Jeremy Jewell, Mae Simpson Band, BlackFishBleu and A.T.O.W.

Hibbing school support staff vote to strike

The strike will begin March 24, 2026, unless the School Board votes on a tentative agreement on March 23, as the union says the two sides agreed.

Northern MN lawmakers champion liquor bills in committee

These include bills related to small resorts, wine transfers, special liquor laws in Brainerd and Baudette, and happy hours at assisted living facilities and nursing homes.

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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Bemidji Area Schools hosts J.W. Smith closure Q&A; Northern MN lawmakers introduce liquor bills

Plus: Leech Lake Tribal College selects three finalists in president search; and four Northland teams are heading to the boys basketball state tournament.

Bemidji Area Schools hosts Q&A on proposed J.W. Smith closure

Parents and community members gathered at the J.W. Smith Elementary gymnasium for the Q&A session. The School Board will host a public hearing on March 24, 2026.

Area Voices: Bagley hosts 1st ‘Afternoon Filled with Art’

The Bagley Area Arts Collaborative presents the first “Afternoon Filled with Art” with three locations featuring local art. Participating artists join “Area Voices” to discuss the event.