Hibbing

The district estimates closing the school, which serves second and third grade, will save it at least $516,000 as it works to address a $2 million budget shortfall.

The approvals mark the resolution of months of back-and-forth that nearly resulted in a strike. The union's focus was on time off and wording changes, rather than wage increases.

The district will provide an agreement to union leadership by March 23, 2026, and the School Board will vote to ratify the contract at its meeting March 30.

Jessalyn Sabin currently serves as the academic dean for career and technical education and the campus director at the Eveleth campus, positions she has held since 2021.

The strike will begin March 24, 2026, unless the School Board votes on a tentative agreement on March 23, as the union says the two sides agreed.

Events this week include a senior citizens' lunch in Pengilly, a choir concert in Baxter and a maple syrup talk at Lake Bemidji State Park.

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.

Events this week include a pancake fundraiser and curling watch parties in Grand Rapids, "MusiKaravan" in Hibbing, Bemidji Contra Dance and a symphony orchestra concert in Virginia.

Hibbing Public Utilities aims to replace all lead service lines in the city in the next two to three years. That's well ahead of the state's 2033 goal.