Education

Funding for public schools comprises nearly 40% of the state budget and is the single biggest line item. It accounts for about two-thirds of all spending on public schools in Minnesota.

In the 2026 midterms, Minnesotans will vote on a constitutional amendment to increase the yearly allotment from the Permanent School Fund. For some, the measure is decades in the making.

Officials call it a ‘stopgap’ measure that should help as they address a $31.5 million systemwide deficit. An internal report warned 10 years ago that Minnesota State could face multimillion dollar budget holes.

From emergency shelters and food banks to sports and church services, school buildings across the Matanuska-Susitna Valley serve as important community connectors, residents and officials said.

The closure announcement comes as the Minnesota State system announces plans to "right size" its operations over 50 campuses amid financial challenges.

KAXE partnered with ICTV to host candidate forums for Grand Rapids and Deer River school boards on Sept. 30, 2026. Videos of the forum are available at watchictv.org.

Red Lake's charter school was one of many to commemorate Orange Shirt Day in honor and remembrance of children impacted by the residential school system.

The Detroit Lakes School Board rescinded its July 2026 action that prompted an ACLU lawsuit as it prepares to amend its policy on non-school materials.

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