investing in the future of aitkin public schools

Aitkin Public Schools is proposing a three-question referendum that aims to invest $55.3 million into our district to create healthier, more accessible and safer spaces for our students, staff and community. On Tuesday, April 14, voters in the Aitkin School District will decide whether the plan to build a new Pre-K school with additional gym space and vehicle storage moves forward when they vote on the following questions:

question one

Asks voters to consider a $49.79 million plan to replace the nearly 70-year-old Rippleside Elementary school with a new PreK-6 building.

question two

Asks voters to consider $3.19 million for additional bus storage to provide adequate space to store all district vehicles.

question three

Asks voters to consider a $2.325 million investment for an additional gymnasium station attached to the new PreK-6 elementary school, which would be accessible to the public.

Question Two can only pass if voters also approve Question One. Questions One and Two must pass for Question Three to pass.

CONCPETUAL PLAN: PREK-6 ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SCHEMATIC DESIGN

Ballot Question One: Building a New PreK-6 School

A new PreK-6 school will provide a safe, efficient building equipped to fully support today’s teachers and curriculum. The goals for a new school include:

    • 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. 

    • Dedicated special education spaces will provide enhanced services and support for students who need it most.

    • A new media center will offer a flexible area for reading, research, and group projects.

    • A controlled entrance and monitored main office will help ensure only authorized visitors enter the school. 

    • Separate drop-off zones for cars and buses will make traffic flow smoother and safer.

    • 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.

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

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

    • The district would save a projected $35,000 annually on energy and maintenance efficiencies alone.

    • Replacing the existing bus garage located near the railroad tracks with new bus storage space near the new elementary school will improve the longevity and efficiency of district vehicles while reducing the risk of train-related accidents.

Ballot Question Two: Improving Bus and Vehicle Storage and Maintenance

  • An updated weather-controlled building  will provide safer working conditions for staff, drivers and mechanics.

  • Onsite storage space that can protect district vehicles from the elements and provide space for proper care and cleaning, will reduce wear, tear and rust, increasing vehicle longevity.

    • With adequate space for maintenance and storage, staff will spend less time moving vehicles and more time maintaining them.

    • Proper storage for tools and equipment improves accessibility and reduces time spent locating needed items.

Replacing the current bus garage near the railroad tracks with a new bus storage and maintenance facility near the new elementary school would improve vehicle efficiency and longevity, provide better training space for drivers, and reduce the risk of train-related accidents.

Ballot Question Three: Creating Additional Gym Space

Creating additional gymnasium space as part of the new school building would help meet a community need, giving people of all ages a place to gather and stay active. In addition to supporting school-day activities and functions, this added gym space would provide space for:

  • An open gymnasium will encourage active lifestyles for children, adults, and seniors alike.

  • Multipurpose spaces for meetings, events, and gatherings will support stronger relationships and a more engaged community.

  • Using the same building for two purposes – school and community activities – is a smart strategy to reduce costs and encourage connection.

A New PreK-6 Elementary School

The school board is committed to building a new PreK-6 school that is prepared to serve students for decades to come, and believes doing so provides the best long-term value for students, staff, taxpayers, and the health of our community.

  • The Aitkin School Board carefully considered the value of remodeling the existing Rippleside building versus constructing a new building. Given the age of the current building, construction estimates projected that remodeling the building to address all needed repairs would cost approximately 62% of the cost to build new. Remodeling would only address some of the classroom resizing, collaborative space, or other learning space improvements that are standard in new Minnesota schools today.

  • The proposed new elementary school and community wellness and recreation center would be located on approximately 80-90 acres of 225 acres of land owned by the school district (34305 405th Place, Aitkin).

  • Yes. Recognizing the immense value of this investment for the community, the Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation Board has agreed to provide a $5 million grant to support the construction of the school should voters approve the referendum.

These designs are preliminary. If the referendum is approved, the district will seek community members to be on the design committee to help plan this space.

Take a Look at the Proposed Campus!

community impact of building a elementary new school and gymnasium space

  • Create over 160 prevailing wage jobs during a 30-month construction process

  • Attract families and young professionals to live and work in Aitkin.

  • Enhance quality of life with activities and events for all residents.

  • Provide land opportunities for future housing development, including single and multi-unit housing.

  • Strengthen the city’s economy through new housing and employment opportunities.

Learn about the cost and tax impact of the plan