The Planning Process

A Community-Driven Plan

Since 2023, Cook County Schools has been working with independent experts and community members to assess our school facilities. Now, we have developed a thoughtful, focused plan to address our challenges. This process included:

A comprehensive facility study to find out what repairs and updates are needed.

Demographic and enrollment projections to help predict future class sizes.

An educational adequacy assessment to determine how well our spaces are meeting guidelines from the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE).

10 listening sessions with students, staff, community members, and the school board to identify priorities and hear ideas.

In November of 2024, voters approved a $24.17 million investment to complete the most critical needs identified throughout this process at our school building. These updates included improved security at main entrances, additional common and cafeteria space, accessibility improvements, classroom updates, and more. However, voters narrowly rejected proposed improvements to our district’s arts and activities spaces that would have significantly improved the Arrowhead Center for the Arts, sports fields and outdoor learning spaces.

Since then, the district has continued to explore ways to complete these improvements. On May 29th, the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB) unanimously voted to award the district $5 million to support improvements to activities and arts spaces, if voters approve a referendum in November to cover the remaining cost.

While seeking this alternative funding, our district conducted two surveys to gauge voters’ priorities and refine the scope of these potential investments:

  • A staff and parent survey in February 2025 

  • A districtwide community survey in April 2025

The two surveys received more than 600 total responses. Results from the surveys indicated that a majority of district residents would support many of the previously identified investments – such as updated seating and lighting at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts, a running track, a turf football/softball field, and improved visitor accessibility.

Respondents also expressed opposition to adding a third gymnasium to our main school building. To better meet voters' priorities, the district eliminated this request from the proposed 2025 plan, in addition to earlier proposals to add a new bus access road and maintenance garage.

Voters will now have the final say on these investments when they cast their ballots on or before November 4, 2025.