Voters approve Cook County School District $6.65 million referendum by small margin in a special election on November 4
Nov 05, 2025 06:54AM ● By Content Editor
By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - November 5, 2025
On Tuesday, November 4, community members voted to approve the Cook County School District $6.65 million referendum, which will unlock a $5 million grant from the Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation Board (IRRR) and fund improvements to the district’s performing arts center, outdoor learning environments, and athletic facilities. Shortly before midnight, the results of the Cook County School District referendum special election were posted to the Minnesota Secretary of State website. Out of 2,331 votes, 1,228 voted "yes" (52.68%) while 1,103 voted "no" (47.32%). In 2024, around 3,500 votes were counted for each of the three referendum questions.
According to the school district, the tax impact for community members will begin in 2026, with the exact cost dependent on home value. As an example, the district shared that a $400,000 median home value can expect to pay about $4 per month. To see the exact tax impact, click here.
Cook County School District 166 Superintendent Chris Lindholm said of the referendum passage, "We’re deeply grateful to the Cook County community for their consistent support of our students,” said Superintendent Chris Lindholm. “This investment will strengthen our ability to provide a well-rounded education for students and build connections with residents of all ages.”
Passage of the referendum will provide funds for the Arrowhead Center for the Arts, which will receive updated lighting, flexible seating, and new features to improve accessibility and backstage safety. Additionally, a new track and synthetic turf will allow athletes to host home meets, give the girls' softball team regular field access for the first time, and ensure teams can practice daily regardless of the weather, according to the district.
The $11.65 million project will now work in conjunction with the $24.18 million investment passed in 2024 for the PreK-12 building to fund classroom updates, the addition of common/flex spaces and an auxiliary gym, improvements to accessibility and building security, and deferred maintenance.
“Completing all of these projects together is going to save our district and taxpayers time and money compared to if we did this ten years from now,” Lindholm said. “We’re extremely thankful to everyone who took the time to learn about the referendum and cast their vote.”
On Tuesday, November 4, community members voted to approve the Cook County School District $6.65 million referendum, which will unlock a $5 million grant from the Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation Board (IRRR) and fund improvements to the district’s performing arts center, outdoor learning environments, and athletic facilities. Shortly before midnight, the results of the Cook County School District referendum special election were posted to the Minnesota Secretary of State website. Out of 2,331 votes, 1,228 voted "yes" (52.68%) while 1,103 voted "no" (47.32%). In 2024, around 3,500 votes were counted for each of the three referendum questions.
According to the school district, the tax impact for community members will begin in 2026, with the exact cost dependent on home value. As an example, the district shared that a $400,000 median home value can expect to pay about $4 per month. To see the exact tax impact, click here.
Cook County School District 166 Superintendent Chris Lindholm said of the referendum passage, "We’re deeply grateful to the Cook County community for their consistent support of our students,” said Superintendent Chris Lindholm. “This investment will strengthen our ability to provide a well-rounded education for students and build connections with residents of all ages.”
Passage of the referendum will provide funds for the Arrowhead Center for the Arts, which will receive updated lighting, flexible seating, and new features to improve accessibility and backstage safety. Additionally, a new track and synthetic turf will allow athletes to host home meets, give the girls' softball team regular field access for the first time, and ensure teams can practice daily regardless of the weather, according to the district.
The $11.65 million project will now work in conjunction with the $24.18 million investment passed in 2024 for the PreK-12 building to fund classroom updates, the addition of common/flex spaces and an auxiliary gym, improvements to accessibility and building security, and deferred maintenance.
“Completing all of these projects together is going to save our district and taxpayers time and money compared to if we did this ten years from now,” Lindholm said. “We’re extremely thankful to everyone who took the time to learn about the referendum and cast their vote.”
