THE NEED
NK’s schools are among the oldest in the state. They need significant repairs and modernization to meet today’s public school standards.
Our two school buildings are the oldest elementary and high schools on the Iron Range and among the oldest in Minnesota. The elementary and high schools were built in 1920 and 1922, respectively, and both fall below the Minnesota Department of Education’s (MDE) standards for public school education, health, and safety.
We’ve done the research. Assessments by independent experts have calculated that renovations to bring one or both facilities up to state educational standards would require an estimated $41 to 47 million.
EDUCATIONAL ADEQUACY ASSESSMENT
CLASSROOMS AND LEARNING SPACES NEEDS:
Most of our classrooms, shops, science labs, and facilities are undersized and outdated.
At both Keewatin Elementary School and NK High School, most classrooms and other instructional spaces are much smaller than what’s recommended by the Minnesota Department of Education. Many spaces cannot accommodate modern equipment, teaching methods, or flexible learning.
Lack of proper classroom space limits collaboration -- small group projects and hands-on learning are critical to student success.
Outdated electrical systems in classrooms, kitchen workstations, and shops are inadequate for running the multiple devices needed for student work.
Band and choir rooms have limited space to store instruments and music.
Elementary special ed space is undersized and limits flexibility needed to optimize student learning.
The weight room, library, and art rooms don’t support student or community use.
The high school students don’t have a cafeteria.
MECHANICAL AND STRUCTURAL NEEDS:
Our buildings need major mechanical and structural infrastructure repair or replacement.
Our maintenance staff has done a fantastic job of keeping our buildings in working order. However, after 100 years of use by thousands of students, teachers, and community members, there are many essential parts of our buildings that have simply reached the end of their useful life.
Roofing
Windows
Asbestos removal
Indoor air quality mechanical systems upgrades
Outdated HVAC systems mean poor ventilation and difficult-to-control temperature control in classrooms, resulting in students needing their coats in some classrooms during the winter.
Interior and exterior door replacement
Elevator update
Parking lot repairs
The leaking pipes and cracked exterior have damaged the ceilings, walls, and floors.
Electrical updates to support today’s technology needs
Boiler replacement
Accessibility updates
Asbestos removal
Indoor air quality mechanical systems upgrades
Outdated HVAC systems mean poor ventilation and difficult-to-control temperature control in classrooms, resulting in students needing their coats in some classrooms during the winter.
Windows
Exterior door hardware replacement
Interior door replacement
New lockers
Concrete walkway replacement
Interior flooring replacement
Updates to lighting and electrical to support today’s technology needs
Boiler replacement
Accessibility updates
SAFETY AND ACCESSIBILITY NEEDS:
Our buildings lack critical safety and accessibility features.
Providing our students and staff with a safe learning environment is always our top priority. We also want our facilities to be usable by all community members, regardless of ability or physical limitations. The old age of our facilities makes it increasingly challenging to meet these goals, despite past improvements and maintenance.
