Maximizing Value for Aitkin Taxpayers

Aitkin Public Schools has worked hard to ensure the proposed plan provides long-term value to students, staff, and taxpayers. Given the age and condition of Rippleside Elementary, taxpayer-supported investments are inevitable. The question isn’t whether our district invests in elementary education, but how we do it.

If approved by voters, the proposed plan will be supported by a tax increase on property within the school district starting in 2027. The tax impact for the new plan is approximately 33% lower annually 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 project’s bonds from 20 to 25 years.

There are other ways for residents to reduce their tax impact through programs like Minnesota’s Homestead Tax Refund. Learn more and find out if you qualify here.

Your individual tax impact will depend on the value of the property you own. For example:

Click on the image above to view larger.

Funding Sources

To minimize the impact on taxpayers as much as possible, Aitkin Public Schools is actively exploring other funding sources, such as state bonding and community partnerships.

TAX BASE BREAKDOWN

How does the cost of the plan compare to other options the district considered?

The district considered several options, ranging from basic completion of deferred maintenance to building a new school on a new site. Each option would require a tax increase, but only the proposed referendum plan would improve safety, meet all guidelines set by the Minnesota Department of Education, and avoid disrupting students during the construction period.

How does the cost of the plan compare to the November 2025 referendum?

The April 2026 referendum will cost homeowners approximately 33% less annually than than the November 2025 plan, depending on the value of your home.

HOW DID THE DISTRICT ARRIVE AT COMMUNICATING A 33% LESS ANNUAL TAX IMPACT?

When comparing the tax impact of the November 2025 plan to the April 2026 plan, the difference is approximately 33%. For more details, please view Slide 22 of our Referendum Presentation. Please note that the term of the bond was extended by 5 years to a total of 25 years.

Click on the image above to view larger.

Yes. Ahead of the November 2025 referendum, the Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB) agreed to grant Aitkin Schools $5 million to support a new elementary school building, contingent upon a successful referendum. The IRRRB has agreed to provide this grant again should the April 2025 referendum be approved, and members formally reauthorized the grant opportunity during their next meeting on Thursday, Feb. 12.

This grant and other, smaller sources of state aid are already factored into all tax impact projections.

Will the district receive financial assistance from any other sources?

No. The school district would not be able to access the $5 million IRRRB grant if it held an election in November 2026 rather than April 2026. Due to the school board’s prompt action to pursue an April 2026 referendum, the IRRRB had not yet reallocated the grant funds associated with the failed November 2025 referendum. The IRRRB indicated its willingness to, once again, provide a $5 million grant in support of a new elementary school, contingent upon voter approval of the April 2026 referendum. Preserving this $5 million grant is one of the critical reasons the school board is asking for voter approval on April 14, 2026. You can review the full IRRRB application on our Resources Page.

WOULD THE SCHOOL DISTRICT BE ABLE TO ACCESS THE $5 MILLION IRRRB GRANT IF THEY RAN AN ELECTION IN NOVEMBER 2026 INSTEAD OF APRIL 2026?

If voters approve the referendum this fall, it will unlock a $5 million grant from the IRRRB, but if the referendum fails, this rare funding opportunity will be lost. Preserving access to this critical $5 million grant is a critical reason why the school board is asking for voter approval of the April 14 referendum.

Head to the 15:31 minute mark in this video to watch leaders approve the grant opportunity for Aitkin Public Schools during the February 12 IRRRB meeting.

did you know?

Ag2School Tax Credit

To reduce the impact of a bond referendum on owners of farmland, Minnesota’s Ag2School Tax Credit offers a 70% tax credit to all agricultural property except the house, garage, and one acre surrounding the agricultural homestead. This is not a tax deduction – it is an automatic dollar-for-dollar credit, with no application required.

Through the Ag2School tax credit, the State of Minnesota will pay about 8% of the project, if approved by voters.