Cook County Schools moves forward with November referendum for athletic, theater, and facility upgrades

After months of collecting faculty, staff, and community input, the Cook County Schools ISD 166 school board has decided to move forward with a November 2025 referendum.

The decision and approval of a resolution were made during a recent school board work session and special meeting on June 5.

The November 2025 bond referendum, if approved by Cook County voters, will provide the school with funding to conduct facility and ground improvements.

The proposed initiatives include installing a new track and synthetic turf field that will replace the existing grass football field. The turf field would also double as a softball field. Upgrades to spectator amenities, such as improved lighting, ADA-compliant seating, concessions, and restrooms, are also proposed. The new athletic stadium would be relocated approximately 20 to 30 yards east of the existing football field location.

Proposed Athletic Stadium | Graphic by ICS

The initiative also includes additional seating and updated theater equipment for the Arrowhead Center for the Arts space.

Furthermore, the proposed improvements include constructing a new bus building for vehicle storage and maintenance, as well as creating outdoor learning spaces for students.

The entire project is projected to cost $11 million. The Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB) has committed a $5 million match contingent on Cook County Schools passing the November 2025 referendum.

With the $5 million allocated from the IRRRB, the school district will request the remaining $6.65 million during the November 2025 referendum.

Superintendent Chris Lindholm said the projected cost for Cook County residents would be $4 per month for an owner of a $400,000 house.

If the November 2025 referendum passes, the $4 per month would be in addition to the monthly cost from the Cook County voter-approved November 2024 bond referendum. This means that a homeowner with a $400,000 home would pay approximately $22 per month if the November 2025 referendum passes.

The proposed athletics and theater improvements were previously included in Question Two of the November 2024 referendum. In November 2024, Question Two failed to pass, with Cook County residents voting No 1,847 – Yes 1,677.

Since then, the school has conducted internal and community-wide surveys to gauge interest in a November 2025 referendum to revisit the athletic and theater improvements.

The results from the internal survey of 213 staff and parent respondents showed that 70% would support a 2025 referendum to fund improvements for the school.

The survey results from the 413 community-wide respondents showed that 50% would vote yes to support a 2025 referendum, 44% would not support it, and 9% were unsure.

Of the 413 community-wide respondents, 32% were parents, 10% were staff, and 58% were Cook County residents.

Community-wide survey results | Graphic by ISD 166

WTIP’s Kalli Hawkins spoke with Superintendent Chris Lindholm about the school board’s approval to move forward with a November 2025 referendum, including details about the proposed initiatives, overall cost, and construction timeline if Cook County voters approve the November referendum. The audio from the interview is below.

Cook County high school student Patience Sifferath interviewed the coaches, ACA and Grand Marais Playhouse staff, and faculty at Cook County Schools about the proposed school athletic and theater improvements. Audio is below.

Kalli Hawkins June 19, 2025