From Cook County Public Schools - April 20, 2026

Cook County Public Schools is excited to announce a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the start of construction on district-wide facility improvements made possible by voter-approved referendums in 2024 and 2025, along with grants and donations to the district. This project represents a meaningful investment in the future of Cook County students and the broader community.

The groundbreaking event will take place on Friday, May 22, at 2:00 p.m. at Cook County Schools in Grand Marais (101 West 5th Street, Grand Marais, MN 55604). We warmly invite families, staff, and community members to join us in celebrating this important milestone.

In November 2024, voters approved a $24.175 million bond referendum focused on enhancing the district’s PreK-12 facility. Planned improvements include a new secure main entrance and centralized student services center, upgrades to the cafeteria, common areas, library, bathrooms, and classrooms, as well as the addition of a gymnasium, fitness room, locker rooms, a health and training space, and an ADA-compliant playground for grades K-5. The project will also address deferred maintenance needs, including aging mechanical systems, windows, doors, flooring, and exterior pavement.

Building on that investment, voters approved an additional $6.65 million bond referendum in November 2025 to support enhancements to the district’s performing arts center, outdoor learning environments, and outdoor multipurpose physical education space, including a track and synthetic turf surface. This second phase of improvements is further strengthened by a $5 million matching grant from the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB), LCCMR grant for $250,000 and $100,000 playground donation from the Lloyd Johnson Foundation maximizing the impact of local investment while helping reduce the overall tax burden.

Together, these projects represent a comprehensive investment in facilities that support student learning, wellness, and community engagement.