Aitkin Referendum 2026 Election Guide

AITKIN — Just five months after voters narrowly rejected a bid to build a new elementary school, the Aitkin School District is asking them to approve a new plan.

Residents will go to the polls on April 14.

The same issues still exist: Aitkin has the oldest schools in the region. Most of Rippleside Elementary School is nearing 70 years old, with outdated utilities, health risks and inadequate classrooms.

The new school and transportation center would be built on land south of Aitkin on the Ripple River that the district bought in 2018 as part of a larger plan to eventually move all schools and facilities to one campus. The school would use up to 90 acres of the more than 200 acres of land.

If a referendum fails again, the School Board plans to use its tax levy authority to fund as much of a remodel and repairs at Rippleside as it can. Districts are allowed to take on debt for that purpose without voter approval.

Where and when can I vote?

Aitkin School District residents can vote early by mail, vote early in person or vote on Election Day, April 14.

Ballots will automatically be sent to voters in mail ballot-only precincts.

Requests for a mail ballot can be made any time online, by mail or in person at the Aitkin County Auditor's Office, 307 Second St. NW. Absentee ballots must be returned by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Early in-person voting begins Feb. 27 and is also at the auditor's office. Voting will be open 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, until April 10. On Saturday, April 11, voting will be open 9 a.m.-3 p.m., and on Monday, April 13, voting will be open 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

On Election Day, the poll will be open 7 a.m.-8 p.m. at the Aitkin Public Library.

Where can I find more information about the referendum?

WeAreAitkin.org was created by the Aitkin School District. It details the process, the district's challenges, it's plan to address them. It also has information about the tax impact and frequently asked questions.

What's on my ballot?

There will be three questions on the ballot. Question 1 is about building a new elementary school serving pre-kindergarten through sixth grade. Question 2 is about building a new transportation center. Question 3 is about building an additional gym at the new elementary.

Question 2 is dependent on Question 1 passing, and Question 3 is dependent on the first two passing.

Here's the exact language that will appear on the ballot (emphasis added):

• 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 $49,790,000 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?"

• 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 $3,190,000 to provide funds for the acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities, including the construction and equipping of a transportation center?"

• Question 3: "If School District Question 1 and School District Question 2 are 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 $2,235,000 to provide funds for the acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities, including the construction and equipping of an auxiliary gym at the new PreK-6 elementary school?"
  

How much would the Aitkin referendum raise my taxes?

If all three questions pass, taxes on a $250,000 home would go up about $243 a year. Most of that — $219 — is from Question 1, with Question 2 adding $14 and Question 3 the remaining $10.

The table below further breaks down possible tax increases. You can calculate your specific impact online.

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Aitkin Public Schools

Didn't Aitkin just have a referendum?

Aitkin voters narrowly rejected two ballot questions about replacing Rippleside Elementary in November.

The school district said under this new plan, the square footage for the new elementary, vehicle storage and gym would be reduced.

The referendum will be split into three questions "to give residents greater control over which investments to vote for or against."

The district said the projected tax impact for the April referendum is about one-third lower than the November plan.

What happens if the referendum passes?

If voters approve the referendum, the district would start the design phase for the new facilities this spring. The design phase would include input from staff, parents and residents.

Construction would likely begin in late spring 2027, with the new school completed in the fall of 2028.

What happens if the referendum fails?

If a referendum fails again, the School Board has said it plans to use its tax levy authority to fund as much of a remodel and repairs at Rippleside as it can. Districts are allowed to take on debt for that purpose without voter approval.

Am I registered to vote? How can I register?

Voters can confirm their registration here.

Not registered? You can register at your polling place on Election Day.

You will need some form of proof of residence, such as a valid driver's license or Tribal ID, a photo ID and document with your name and address or another registered voter who can confirm your address. Find more information here.