On Tuesday, November 4, voters in the Aitkin School District will consider a $65.44 million referendum to fund a new PreK-6 elementary school, a transportation center, and a community wellness center connected to the new school. The plan would strengthen safety and security, support student learning and growth, and provide a healthy building for students, staff, and the community for generations.

Rippleside Elementary has served our community for nearly 70 years. After decades of use, the building is worn out and beyond affordable repairs. Deteriorating infrastructure and lack of space are failing students and limiting educational opportunities. Challenges include:

• Small, Limited Classrooms: Small classrooms make it hard for students to work together, do hands-on activities, and learn in small groups.

• Safety and Security Risks: Lack of secured entrances, walkways, and building areas that aren’t handicap accessible, and crowded drop-off areas are safety concerns for students and staff.

• Lack of Space for Student Support: There isn’t enough room to give students the special education and mental health help they need. 

• Health Concerns: Poor air quality, inconsistent temperatures, and asbestos exposure create health concerns that distract from learning.

• Small, Crowded Gyms: The main gym is too small, and the other gym is also used as a lunchroom, limiting space for classes, activities, and storing equipment. 

Hazardous Bus Garage: The outdated school bus garage is located off-site and near the railroad tracks, making daily transportation risky and inefficient.

The district assessed and evaluated our buildings’ needs through a detailed facilities planning process. This work is built 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 survey, and met with government, community, and business partners. Through this work, the district identified that Rippleside Elementary is the most urgent priority.

A new PreK-6 elementary school will provide a safe, healthy, more efficient place to learn, including:

• Improved Classrooms and Student Support: New classrooms will be the right size to meet today’s learning needs and educational standards, with room for hands-on activities, small group work, and personalized learning. Special education spaces will provide enhanced services and support for students, and the new media center will offer a flexible area for reading, research, and group projects.

• Improved Safety for Young Children: A controlled entrance and monitored main office will help ensure only authorized visitors enter the school. Separate drop-off zones for parents and buses will make traffic flow smoother and safer.  

• Enhanced Accessibility for Students with Disabilities: The building will be fully accessible, with ADA-compliant entrances, classrooms, and restrooms, making it easier for all students, staff, and our community to move around and access the building.

• Energy Savings: New heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, boilers, windows, and doors will improve air quality and temperature control while saving on energy costs.

• Healthier Classrooms and Hallways: New plumbing and drainage systems will prevent leaks and water damage, creating a healthier space for students to learn and grow.

Retrofitting old buildings is a tough and expensive task that can disrupt education during the construction process. That's why the district is planning a long-term solution that will benefit our children and community for years.

The proposed new elementary school would be located on approximately 80-90 acres of 225 acres of land owned by the school district (34305 405th Place, Aitkin). The proposed referendum includes the costs of running water and sewer to the district-owned property.

Right now, the district's outdated school bus garage is located off-site near the railroad tracks, where it shares space with the railroad and a local oil company. Building a new transportation center near the new elementary school would improve safety and efficiency.

A new community wellness center would meet a community need, giving people of all ages a place to gather and stay active while strengthening the ties between our schools and the community. The community wellness center would include features such as an indoor walking track and multipurpose rooms for meetings and events. In addition, using the same building for two purposes – school and community activities – is a smart strategy to reduce costs and encourage connection. If approved by voters, the district would conduct a collaborative design process with the community to shape the new wellness center, including input on activities, features, and amenities. Potential usage fees would also be discussed and determined as part of that process. 

The district is continuing to assess and address the high school’s needs as part of our ongoing maintenance and improvement efforts. One of our current priorities is evaluating the HVAC system to ensure it remains reliable and efficient. If we move forward with building a new elementary school, it would allow us to redirect more maintenance funds toward the high school, helping us address additional updates and improvements that may be needed.

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.orgor 218-927-7100.

The total cost for the proposed plan is $65.44 million. It will be presented to voters as two questions. Question 1 would invest $59.44 million to build a new PreK-6 school to replace Rippleside Elementary, and build a new transportation center. Question 2 would invest $6 million to build a community wellness center attached to the new school. If voters approve the plan, funding will come from a property tax levy beginning in 2026. For a home valued at $175,000, the monthly increase is approximately $17 for Question 1 and $2 for Question 2, for a total of $19 per month if both questions are approved. The monthly increase for a $300,000 home would be about $34 for Question 1 and $4 for Question 2, or $38 per month if both questions are approved.

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. On May 29, the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB) awarded the district $5 million to support the facilities plan, reducing the cost of the project to $65.44 million. This grant is a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to ensure our plan is both fiscally responsible and responsive to the long-term needs of our students, staff, and community. It also shows that this project matters to our region.

We have also engaged with local lawmakers and city and county officials 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.

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. 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 218-927-7100.

The district encourages all residents to visit WeAreAitkin.orgfor 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.orgor 218-927-7100.