Education

PreK-first students will attend Washington Elementary, while Lincoln Elementary will transition to second-fifth grades. Sixth graders will move up to Hibbing High School.

The 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.

The 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.

Each school district would be in charge of creating, implementing and enforcing a policy that meets these standards for the 2026-27 school year.

The Boys and Girls Club of Bemidji Area operates a branch at J.W. Smith. Families and staff are concerned about the future of the grant-funded program if the school closes.

Staples-Motley is asking voters to approve $55 million in new bonds that would replace old debt, thereby not increasing taxes. The money would be used to update both schools.

Voters will decide on Aitkin's latest attempt to build a new elementary school on April 14, 2026. The new ask is about one-third less than the November 2025 referendum.

As the district looks to trim $3 million from its budget this spring, community members, teachers and parents rallied against the shuttering of J.W. Smith Elementary.

Aitkin and Staples-Motley school districts are bringing referendums back to the ballots on April 14, 2026, seeking voter approval for construction bonds.

The School Board voted down the alternative schedule 4-2. In the coming months, the district will have to figure out how else to cut 12% of its budget.