investing in the future of aitkin public schools

After evaluating our school buildings and listening to the community, the district is proposing two ballot questions ($59.44 million and $6 million) for a total investment of $65.44 million. The plan would address our greatest need: a new PreK-6 school to replace the aging Rippleside Elementary building. The plan would also provide a new bus transportation center and a new community wellness and recreation center.

WHY A NEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

While our high school also faces infrastructure problems, the cost of repairing or replacing both schools would create too large a tax impact for our community. That’s why the district is focusing on our most urgent need: replacing the nearly 70-year-old Rippleside Elementary building, which has many issues that are beyond affordable repairs.

The new PreK-6 elementary school and bus transportation center would provide:

    • 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 space for special education, academic, and mental health services will offer better support for students.

    • A new media center will provide 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 for people with disabilities, with ADA-compliant entrances, classrooms, and restrooms. This will make it easier for all students, staff, and community members to move around the building.

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

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

  • Building a new transportation center near the new elementary school to replace the existing bus garage would improve safety and efficiency while reducing the risk of train-related accidents.

The new community wellness and recreation center would provide:

A new community wellness and recreation center would give residents of all ages a place to gather and connect while strengthening the ties between our schools and the community. This shared facility would be accessible for all residents year-round, with: 

  • Indoor recreation space: a walking track, gym, and fitness center that will encourage active lifestyles for children, adults, and seniors alike.

  • Multipurpose rooms for community meetings and events that will support stronger relationships.

On Tuesday, November 4, voters in the Aitkin School District will decide whether this plan moves forward when they vote on the following questions:

Question One

Question One asks voters to consider a $59.44 million plan to replace the nearly 70-year-old elementary school with a new PreK-6 building and a new transportation center to replace the existing bus garage.

Question two

Question Two asks voters to consider a $6 million investment in a new community wellness and recreation center attached to the new PreK-6 elementary school.

*Question Two can only pass if voters also approve Question One.

The proposed plan would help our district continue doing what it does best: giving students a strong education that prepares them for high school, good jobs, college, and life after graduation.

If approved by voters, the investments will be supported by a tax increase on property within the school district starting in 2026.