REGIONAL- Three Iron Range school districts are slated to receive one-time financial support through excess funds from the Taconite Economic Development Fund following action Wednesday by the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board.
St. Louis County Schools is expected to receive $333,388 under the agreement, while Ely Public Schools would receive $92,679 and Mesabi East Schools would receive $150,972. The funding allocations were based on a per-pupil formula developed by members of the Iron Range legislative delegation.
The funding comes as many northeastern Minnesota school districts continue wrestling with tight budgets, rising operating costs, and enrollment declines that have put increasing pressure on rural schools in recent years.
When announcing the funding Wednesday morning, Sen. Grant Hauschild said lawmakers from both parties agreed additional support was needed to help districts maintain services for students and communities.
“Our schools are dealing with significant challenges right now, especially in rural northeastern Minnesota,” Hauschild said. “This bipartisan agreement allows us to provide additional support to help schools continue delivering for students, families, and communities across the region.”
Rep. Roger Skraba said the agreement reflected continued cooperation among Iron Range lawmakers on regional issues.
“This was a bipartisan effort focused on doing what’s right for our schools and communities,” Skraba said. “These districts are important anchors for the communities they serve, and this funding will help provide some additional stability during a difficult time for many rural schools.”