The proposed $6.65 million bond referendum is intended to fund improvements to the Cook County School District’s (ISD 166) performing arts center, outdoor learning environments, and athletic facilities.

This measure is a follow-up to a three-question referendum held in November 2024. At that time, voters approved Question One, which authorized a $24.18 million investment for critical building security and classroom renovations, but did not approve the other questions relating to athletic, performing arts, and outdoor space upgrades.

One main difference in the 2025 referendum is that the new proposal’s funding is a contingent $5 million grant from the Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation Board (IRRR). The district has stated that this grant will only be secured if voters approve the remaining $6.65 million bond. The district estimates the tax impact on a median-valued $400,000 home to be approximately $4 per month, beginning in 2026; half of what the 2024 referendum would have cost taxpayers. 

The Vote Yes Committee, a local group supporting the measure, gathered over 75 endorsements from community members, businesses, and organizations last month. Those in favor of the referendum argue that modern activity spaces enhance students' learning experience, academic achievement, mental well-being, and social skills. They also note that securing the state grant is an opportunity to extend the reach of local tax dollars while supporting community infrastructure.

Community opposition, expressed in public letters, has raised concerns that the $6.65 million investment is an excessive cost and a poor academic priority for projects voters had previously rejected. Opponents argue that spending should be redirected toward core academics, and they view the proposed facilities as "extras." The contingent state grant has been described by some opponents as a "costly ruse" because it requires the community to pay for projects that were voted down a year prior. Concerns over the artificial turf, raised during the 2024 proposal, continue with this proposal. 

To learn more about the 2025 proposal, visit https://www.vikingsvision.org/vote

How to Vote Today, November 4, 2025

The Cook County Auditor’s Office, located at the Cook County Courthouse in Grand Marais, serves as the official polling place for all precincts in this mail-in election (ballots were mailed to all registered voters in early October). Voters who have not yet sent in their ballots have two primary options for voting today.

Voting in person: Additionally, the Auditor’s Office is open today, November 4, 2025, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and serves as the official polling place for all precincts. Voters may bring their blank ballot and envelopes to the Auditor’s Office to vote in person, if they choose.

Registered voters who did not receive their ballots or misplaced them can vote in person at the courthouse. 

Accessibility: An electronic voting system is available at the Cook County Auditor’s office to permit persons with disabilities to bring their blank ballot to the courthouse and vote privately and independently.

Unregistered voters: Unregistered voters can register to vote in person at the Courthouse on Election Day. Visit the Minnesota Secretary of State website to learn more (certain documents and proof of residency are required).

The ballots will be counted at the Cook County Courthouse after 8:00 p.m. on the day of the election. Boreal Community Media will share updates as they are available.