Most of our school buildings are over 50 years old and, despite multiple renovations over the years, are not fully meeting today’s learning, safety, or technology needs. Aging HVAC systems, costly maintenance, and roof repairs make it harder to keep schools safe and functional. We need updated classrooms, better security, more gym space, and age-specific learning areas. Traffic safety for pick-up and drop-off and a safer location for the bus garage are also key concerns. Without upgrades, these problems will continue to grow and cost more to repair or replace.

The district is assessing and evaluating our buildings’ needs through a detailed facilities planning process to assess our buildings’ needs. This work builds on a Community Task Force’s evaluation from 2018 and 2019. In 2024, the district finished a thorough facilities assessment. This assessment looked at building conditions, prioritized repairs and upgrades, and planned future investments. As part of this process, we held 14 listening sessions, asked all residents to participate in an online ThoughtExchange and met with government, community, and business partners. Through this process, the district identified key issues to address. Our community believes that improving school facilities is a priority. We are now reviewing all findings. Soon, the district will present a proposed plan to the School Board and our community for their input. Our goal is to create the best, most cost-efficient plan for providing quality education to our students and meeting community expectations.

The district has worked from the start to gather community input and share what is happening during each step of the planning process. During 2024, we held 14 listening sessions, hosted four public board study sessions open to all residents, and gathered community feedback through an online ThoughtExchange survey. Residents can continue to ask questions or share their thoughts through a Connect Form on our website, WeAreAitkin.org. They can also reach out to Superintendent Dan Stifter at dstifter@isd1.org or 218-927-1100.

The district is carefully evaluating what it learned from the facilities planning process in 2024 to prioritize upgrades, changes, and plans for our facilities. We are still in the planning stage. Once we have refined and formalized a plan, we will share a proposed plan and preliminary design concepts.

This district is still in the planning process and has not made a final decision. Based on our facilities assessment and community feedback, we have identified key infrastructure needs. We realize that short-term fixes and expansions may not be the best value or a long-term solution. We are committed to giving students safe, modern spaces that provide the education they deserve and our community expects. Our goal is to make the best long-term investment for our students, staff, and community.

The cost of building a new school isn’t available yet, as the district is still developing a proposed plan. Once we have refined the proposed plan, we will share a detailed estimate for the School Board to consider. This estimate would include the impact it would have on property taxes.

Yes. As part of the district’s planning process, we are actively exploring other funding sources to help offset costs and reduce the impact on property owners. We have engaged with local lawmakers, city and county officials, and the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation to discuss funding sources for infrastructure needs. This will continue to be our priority as we work toward the best, most cost-effective plan for our schools and community.

Updated facilities would provide modern classrooms, better technology, and improved security to support students. The improved spaces will meet students' academic, social, and behavioral needs while also giving teachers the tools they need to support all learners. Retrofitting old buildings is a tough and expensive task that can disrupt education during the construction process. That's why the district is planning long-term solutions that will benefit our students and community for years.

The district anticipates seeking additional input from our staff, parents, and community this spring and presenting a proposed plan to the School Board in late spring/early summer. 

The district is sharing updates on our dedicated website, WeAreAitkin.org. We will also share information through district emails, our newsletter, our Facebook page, and local media. Updates will be provided during School Board meetings. We encourage residents to share their thoughts and questions through the Connect Form on WeAreAitkin.org or by contacting Superintendent Dan Stifler at dstifter@isd1.org or 218-927-1100.

The district encourages all residents to visit WeAreAitkin.org for updates. The website features a Connect Form for residents to submit their input and ask questions. Residents are also encouraged to contact Superintendent Dan Stifler at dstifter@isd1.org or 218-927-1100.