A Community-Driven Process
Since 2016, Aitkin Public Schools has led a thoughtful facilities planning process to create an investment plan that reflects our community’s priorities and supports our students, staff, and residents for generations to come.
In November 2025, Aitkin Public Schools proposed a comprehensive plan to replace Rippleside Elementary School with a new building that would fully meet students’ health, safety, and educational needs, and build an attached community wellness center and improved vehicle storage space. Voters narrowly rejected this plan, but the challenges facing Rippleside – including undersized classrooms, poor air quality, and safety concerns – remain.
After hearing feedback from teachers, parents, and community members, the district is proposing an adjusted plan with an approximately 33% lower annual tax impact than the plan proposed in November 2025. This was accomplished by reducing planned square footage for the new school building, gym, and bus storage, and extending the term of the bonds from 20 year to 25 years.
Our community helped shape this plan, and residents will decide whether it moves forward when they vote on the referendum this April.
