HIBBING — The Hibbing School District has a new acting superintendent.
In an emergency meeting Friday, Jan. 9, the Hibbing School Board selected Carrie McDonald as the district’s acting superintendent. McDonald comes from the district's current administrative team, serving as director of teaching and learning and the Bluejacket Career Academy director. She previously served as principal of Greenhaven Elementary School in Hibbing.
The district updated its superintendent’s webpage with McDonald’s information.
The move comes after Superintendent Rich Aldrich announced he would resign on Jan. 7, due to a health condition. Aldrich’s resignation isn’t effective until mid-April, but he is on medical leave for the next several months.
The Hibbing School District’s business manager, Alex Kaczor, also announced his resignation last month, with his last day set for Thursday, Jan. 15. Kaczor is taking a position at the Grand Rapids school district.
The vacancies come as the district begins planning $2 million in budget cuts, in part due to declining enrollment. Voters rejected two referendum questions in November.
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Contributed/Hibbing School DistrictThe March 4, 2026, vote would start the process of a closure, which would save the district an estimated $516,000. The Board will also give an update on contract negotiations with support staff. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXEThe school district must now advertise the planned closure for two weeks before hosting a public hearing on the decision, which would go into effect this spring. -
Contributed/Canva Pro graphicAuthorities reported alcohol is believed to have been a factor. The building was determined to be unstable and unsafe in the immediate area of the crash. -
Contributed/Staples Fire DepartmentThe Staples Fire Department responded to a report of smoke coming out of the building on the 400 block of Second Avenue Northeast, just before 8 a.m. Feb. 28, 2026. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEThe law allows for the detention and deportation of undocumented immigrants who are merely accused of crimes, including violent crimes but also nonviolent offenses like burglary, theft and shoplifting. -
Contributed/Grand Rapids Area SchoolsHibbing senior Wylie Stenson claimed four medals in all, winning half of all rural Northern Minnesota's medals at the 2026 state meet. -
Contributed/City of HermantownCity and power officials expressed optimism about the partnership slated to invest in clean energy and energy resiliency, while environmental advocates noted review is still required and necessary. -
Contributed/MSHSLThe Warriors won their eighth title since the tournament began in 1994. -
Contributed/Grand Rapids Area WrestlingWrestlers from Grand Rapids, Staples-Motley and Badger-Greenbush/Middle River topped the podium at state Feb. 28, 2026, with another 35 Northlanders from 12 teams winning medals. -
Contributed/Gabrielle Nelson / Buffalo’s FireLittle progress has been made despite 40 years of cleanup on Leech Lake Reservation. Locals fear for the health of surrounding lakes and the Mississippi River downstream.
