Several area school districts, including Ely’s, will benefit from a one-time funding allocation approved this week.
As a result of a bipartisan agreement among Iron Range legislators, the Ely schools will receive $92,679 in excess funds from the Taconite Economic Development Fund.
The allocation was formally approved Wednesday during a special meeting of the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board.
Via a news release, legislators said the funding recognizes the unique challenges facing many northeastern Minnesota school districts, including declining enrollment, rising operational costs, and increasing financial strain on rural schools.
“Our schools are dealing with significant challenges right now, especially in rural northeastern Minnesota,” said State Sen. Grant Hauschild (D-Hermantown). “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 (R-Ely) said the agreement reflects the Iron Range Delegation’s continued commitment to working together on regional priorities regardless of party affiliation.
“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.”
In addition to the $92,679 that will go to Ely, the neighboring St. Louis County Schools will get $333,388 and Mesabi East is set to receive $150,972.
The funding allocations were determined using a per pupil formula developed collaboratively by members of the delegation.
The lawmakers noted that the use of excess TEDF dollars for one time school support reflects the delegation’s shared commitment to ensuring mining related resources continue benefiting the communities and families of northeastern Minnesota.
The additional funding secured this week comes on top of action earlier in May that bring more dollars to the local schools.
Passage of the 2026 Minerals Article will result in annual increases of $150,000 and $100,000 to the Ely district once Mesabi Metallics begins production.
Also vital was approval of changes in how seasonal-recreational properties figure into local school levies, a move that will substantially expand the district’s tax base and figure to make it easier to pass operating referendums.
That change had been sought by school districts such as Ely, where a large portion of the tax base is made up of cabins and other seasonal-recreational parcels.
