Chisholm Independent School District No. 695 recently celebrated a new chapter in its long history of public education with an open house event for its unified school campus.

The project includes a new pre-K-6 addition to Chisholm High School, improvements to the existing high school and the consolidation of students from all grades onto one campus. The new facilities replace the aging Vaughan-Steffensrud and historic Chisholm Elementary schools, which served local students for decades.

Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation (IRRR) supported the project with $8 million in Educational Facilities Revenue Bonds. An additional $3.65 million from the Iron Range School and Community Development Account is being invested in the construction of a shared public works facility and bus garage that will serve both the city and school district.

Mining has supported Iron Range schools and communities for more than a century through production taxes, land donations and other investments. Today, Taconite Production Tax revenue generated by area mining companies and steelworkers continues to help fund projects that strengthen schools, communities and the regional economy.

The new campus provides modern learning spaces for students and staff, additional parking, a dedicated bus loop designed to improve student safety, expanded green space for outdoor activities and an indoor sports facility.

IRRR Commissioner Ida Rukavina spoke at the event, along with Sen. Rob Farnsworth.

Rukavina said, “This project shows what can be accomplished when a school district, city, community and regional partners share a vision and work together. Many people collaborated to make this campus possible. Now, the teachers, staff, administrators and coaches will bring these classrooms and spaces to life every day. And the students will grow here, learn here and make this place their own for years to come.”

Email Kevin Steele or call him at 218-735-3067 for more information about IRRR school funding.

The Northland Learning Center Cooperative (NLCC) Independent School District No. 6076 held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Aug. 26 to celebrate its new school. The 32,000-square-foot building sits on 2.56 acres east of Mountain Iron City Hall and includes seven elementary classrooms, five high school classrooms and four Alternative Learning Center classrooms.

Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation (IRRR) supported the project with $10.6 million in Educational Facilities Revenue Bonds and an additional $2.08 million in legislative revenue bond proceeds*. 

NLCC previously operated out of the former James Madison Elementary School in Virginia, a nearly 100-year-old building with limited space and ongoing maintenance needs.

The eight-member special education cooperative serves more than 1,500 students and adults across the Taconite Assistance Area and employs approximately 115 staff. Its member school districts are Chisholm, Cook County, Ely, International Falls, Mesabi East, Mountain Iron-Buhl, Nett Lake and St. Louis County.

NLCC provides programs for students from early childhood through grade 12, as well as young adults ages 18 to 22. Programs feature small class sizes, small-group instruction and personalized learning plans designed to meet individual needs. A transition program also helps young adults develop skills for employment, independent living and community involvement.

IRRR Director of Community Development Whitney Ridlon spoke at the ceremony, along with Sen. Rob Farnsworth, Sen. Grant Hauschild and Rep. Cal Warwas.

Ridlon said, “A strong economy requires strong communities. And strong communities require strong schools. IRRR was proud to support Northland Learning Center, which serves students and families who may need something different from a traditional school setting. Today is about much more than cutting a ribbon or opening a building. It is about opening doors of opportunity for generations to come.”

Email Kevin Steele or call him at 218-735-3067 for more information about IRRR school funding.

*In the 2024 Minnesota legislative session, the Minerals Article Legislation/2024 Tax Omnibus Bill was enacted, requiring IRRR to issue revenue bonds to finance up to 82 identified projects across the Taconite Assistance Area.

Rock Ridge High School building construction students spent several days helping with a Habitat for Humanity home build in Virginia.

Students in Industrial Technology teacher Greg Foster’s classes gained hands-on experience in the construction trades while supporting a community project. They practiced skills such as measuring, cutting, building and working as a team.

The project puts into practice the goals of Rock Ridge’s Career Academies, which Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation (IRRR) supports through a $95,000 Workforce Development grant.

The high school is establishing three career academies focused on health sciences, advanced construction and manufacturing, and information systems and business. Beginning in the ninth grade, the pathway system connects students with high-demand regional industries through hands-on training, local employer partnerships, career exploration and opportunities to earn industry-recognized credentials.

IRRR awarded the grant to Minnesota North College’s Customized Training Solutions program, which is working with the high school to develop curriculum that meets industry standards and prepares students for jobs in demand.

The Habitat for Humanity project also supports IRRR’s efforts to expand housing opportunities across the region. IRRR provided a $750,000 Housing grant to North St. Louis County Habitat for Humanity to support construction of nine homes in the Taconite Assistance Area, including the Virginia home where the Rock Ridge students gained hands-on experience.

The project gave students an opportunity to develop workplace skills while contributing to new housing in their community.

“This project shows how many parts of economic development come together,” said IRRR Director of Community Development Whitney Ridlon. “By supporting workforce, housing, industry and education, we are helping build stronger communities, a stronger workforce and a stronger regional economy.”

Email Kevin Steele or call him at 218-735-3067 for more information about Workforce Development and Housing grants. Email Willie Spelts or call him at 218-290-1237 for more information about Rock Ridge High School Career Academies.

Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation (IRRR) awarded three Residential Redevelopment grants totaling $58,767 to St. Louis County (SLC) to remove five dilapidated and tax-forfeited structures. The properties in Eveleth and Hibbing included two houses, a multi-unit building and two garages. Clearing the lots will help position the properties to return to private ownership.

SLC's Christopher Johnson, senior planner for the Land & Minerals Land Asset program said, “IRRR’s Residential Redevelopment grant program has provided essential funding for the management of Minnesota’s tax-forfeited lands. Cities, townships, counties and other organizations that receive these grants experience significant benefits. Removing these blighted structures encourages development and creates opportunities to improve communities.”

Eligible Residential Redevelopment grant applicants include cities, townships, counties, Tribal governments and nonprofits. Eligible structures include single-unit residential homes, residential duplexes, residential multiunit structures, garages, sheds and barns located within a residential zone. Homeowners interested in applying should contact their municipality.

Learn more about the Residential Redevelopment grants.

Email Danae Beaudette or call her at 218-735-3022 for information.

Small businesses in northeastern Minnesota may be eligible for certification that can help expand their opportunities to do business with the State of Minnesota.

Through the state’s Small Business Procurement Program, eligible businesses can become certified as targeted group, economically disadvantaged or veteran-owned businesses. The program helps increase opportunities for certified small businesses in state contracting and purchasing.

More than 1,000 small businesses are certified through the Minnesota Office of Equity in Procurement. State agencies are encouraged to consider certified vendors when purchasing goods and services and can find them through the state’s searchable Certified Business Directory.

Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation (IRRR) encourages eligible businesses throughout its service area to explore certification and the opportunities it can provide. Businesses interested in doing business with the state can register through the Supplier Portal and find additional information and assistance on Minnesota Management and Budget’s SWIFT Supplier/Vendor Resources page.