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.

Election 2026

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%

  

  Ex-legislator Eichorn gets 16 months in prison in underage solicitation case

  Justin Eichorn’s sentencing comes a year-and-a-half after his arrest as part of an undercover law enforcement sting operation during the 2025 legislative session.

  

  Beaver, Lumberjack homecomings converge with old and new Bemidji traditions

  Alumni and community members are welcome to join in as Bemidji High School and Bemidji State University celebrate overlapping homecomings through Sept. 27, 2026.

  

  The Setlist: Where to hear live music Sept. 25-26, 2026

  KAXE's weekly list of concerts near you features Jordan Messerole, Bruce Archer, Nathan Neuman, Knife Emoji, Tattletale, and Christopher David Hanson.

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%

A profusion of funky fungi intrigue student phenologists

During the week of Sept. 22, 2026, we enjoy reports of funky fungi, darting dragonflies and an abundance of migratory birds. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

Area Voices: Knifemaker Curtis Olson keeps sharp

Bemidji knifemaker Curtis Olson joins "Area Voices" to discuss how he got into making knives and the process it takes to make them.

Man accused of shooting firefighting plane indicted; Court of Appeals visits Pequot Lakes school

And: An economist says census poverty data masks expected blows of Medicaid changes.

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%

Northern Minnesota sees new wave of clean water initiatives

The Clean Water Legacy Partners Grants Program funds projects proposed by tribal entities, tribal governments and nonprofit organizations through the program.

Pequot Lakes students witness justice system on home court

The Minnesota Court of Appeals heard oral arguments at Pequot Lakes High School on Sept. 22, 2026, in front of 300 upperclassmen.

Fall color vibrancy depends on moisture, temperature, and leaf chemistry

During the Phenology Report for the week of Sept. 22, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on changing autumn colors, departing birds, and the taste of nannyberries.

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%

Economist: Census poverty data masks expected blows of Medicaid changes

Federal safety net program cuts are on the minds of economists with new data on last year's median incomes, official poverty rate and holistic poverty rate.

You can vote now in the 2026 midterm election. Here's what to know.

Early voting options in Minnesota began on Sept. 18, 2026. Those who aren't yet registered can do so now, or even on Election Day.

Beyond the Voice: Will Owens

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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%

1 found dead in fire near Bemidji; Governor candidates visit Northland

Plus: Early voting opened Sept. 18, 2026, for all eligible voters Minnesota; and Northern Minnesota tribes are among groups receiving Clean Water Legacy grants.

Fresh Picks: Just in time for Autumn, blues stew, marimba madness and MN blues-rock from '76

The KAXE Music Team on new music from Angela Autumn, Son Rompe Pera, Cedar County Cobras, Kiko Mizuhara, Brandy Clark, Menahan Street Band and Meels. Plus, The Lamont Cranston Band in '76.

1 person found dead in Northern mobile home fire, 1 other injured

The Bemidji Fire Department responded to a mobile home fire in Northern Township on Sept. 20, 2026. One occupant had escaped while another was unaccounted for at the time of the report.

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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New Minnesota memoir reflects on two family histories connected by land

Author Jill Swenson’s new book "The Land of Everlasting Sky" is a vivid and informative read, combining her family history with Warroad Ojibwe elder Kakaygeesick’s to show that we need to reconcile with the past in order to move forward.

When rural districts combine, wins for budgets and students come with identity loss

The Iron Range offers a window into communities reckoning with how their identities must change for the betterment of future generations as schools increasingly collaborate.This reporting is part of a collaboration with the Institute for Nonprofit News' Rural News Network and Big Local News at Stanford University, with data journalist Cherry Salazar’s analysis helping anchor the reporting. Six nonprofit newsrooms were involved: BenitoLink, KAXE, Mat-Su Sentinel, Mississippi Today, Oxford Free Press and The Texas Tribune. Support from the Walton Family Foundation made this project possible.

Eichorn defense argues for no prison time; Feds award Mesabi Metallics $770M loan

Plus: Minnesota's archery deer season opens Sept. 19, 2026; and health experts caution that disease-carrying ticks surge in fall.

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%

Research with Midwestern ticks finds Lyme carriers surge in fall

Dozens of ticks as part of a study with the Marshfield Clinic Research Institute were submitted from the Bemidji area.

Minnesota archery deer season opens Sept. 19

Bow hunters harvested more than 30,000 deer during the 2025 archery season — an all-time high. The 2026 season runs from Sept. 19 through Dec. 31.

Mesabi Metallics eyes $5 billion expansion as production, federal assistance ramp up

The mining company celebrated a $770 million federal loan and the production of its first concentrate at a blast event Sept. 17, 2026. Two days earlier, it announced the "next phase of investment" at an Itasca County Board meeting.

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%

Defense attorneys argue Justin Eichorn shouldn't get any prison time

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Are corvids con artists? Exploring the 'Blue Jays are liars' hypothesis

Pam Perry, a retired non-game wildlife biologist, stopped by to talk about BirdCast, Northern Flickers, Blue Jays, and Common Nighthawks.

Bright Spot: Closed school building in Cotton is a community hub

The repurposed building features a food shelf, free meals, a thrift store, mercantile shop, fitness center, bakery and eatery, art classes and seasonal maker markets, as well as a youth center.

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%

Election 2026

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%

Sneaky salamanders lurk beneath decaying logs

Christopher Smith, conservation committee chair for the Minnesota Herpetological Society, discusses how salamanders use dead and dying trees. The series is produced by Mark Jacobs.

Parasitoid wasps are a big bummer (and have one too)

Co-hosts Heidi Holtan and Charlie Mitchell chat about Darwin, monarch butterflies, and the decline (and hope) of birds.Send us a voice memo through SpeakPipe!

When rural districts combine, wins for budgets and students come with identity loss

The Iron Range offers a window into communities reckoning with how their identities must change for the betterment of future generations as schools increasingly collaborate.

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 Sept. 22-27: Leaf walks at Lake Bemidji State Park, group hike near Grand Rapids

Events this week include an art leap in the Park Rapids area and an ATV ride to benefit Iron Range cancer patients.

Family seeks answers in Walker teen's homicide; MN cannabis sales hit $150M

And: Mesabi Metallics eyes massive expansion as production of first pellets ramps up.

Family seeks answers in Walker teen’s homicide

Relatives confirmed that 17-year-old Dylon Oothoudt of Walker was the male found dead Sept. 13, 2026, in a Cass Lake yard. An autopsy ruled the death a homicide by gunshot wound.

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%

Storm prediction in Brainerd area gets boost with new radar

The National Weather Service and public safety officials will be able to use data collected by the Climavision radar installed Sept. 15, 2026, to inform weather warnings.

Itasca County removes Flock Safety cameras; New weather radar installed in Brainerd

Plus: MN Court of Appeals to host oral arguments at Pequot Lakes High School.

‘Easy money to cut’: Itasca County removes Flock cameras, cancels contracts

All county cameras have been removed as of Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026. Cameras under city jurisdiction may remain.

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%

How much fish do you eat? MN's pollution control agency wants to know

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is surveying people's fish-eating habits to help limit contaminants in water bodies and make fish safer to eat.

Grand Rapids City Council ends 0.5% Yanmar Arena sales tax

The tax used to fund civic center improvements will end Dec. 31, 2026.

Beyond the Voice: Michelle Bedford

Get to know the volunteers behind the mic on KAXE. This week we find out more from On The River DJ and volunteer, Michelle Bedford.

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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The Setlist: Where to hear live music Sept. 18-20, 2026

KAXE's weekly list of concerts near you features Known Only Locally, The Brothers Burn Mountain, Tattletale and a Community Open House Jam.

Students spot migratory birds, dragonflies and butterflies

During the week of Sept. 15, 2026, we enjoy reports of changing leaves and migrating birds and insects. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

Area Voices: Grand Rapids Players present original play ‘Frankenfeldt’

Grand Rapids Players present the original play “Frankenfeldt” Sept. 25-27 and Oct. 2-4 at the Ives Studio Theater in the Reif Center. The director and two actors guest on “Area Voices.”