The community is invited to attend to learn more, ask questions, and share feedback regarding the proposed closing of JW Smith School. Your voice and participation are important.

Question & Answer Session

Tuesday, March 17, 2026
6:00 – 8:00 PM
JW Smith School Gymnasium

All community members, families, and stakeholders are encouraged to attend.

Stay informed. Get involved.
Be part of the conversation.

Below are several of the key issues currently before the community.

Why are we looking at reductions?

The school district is facing a projected $3.5 million budget shortfall for next year. The school district has been in a structural deficit since 2019 and we have been working on a three year plan to bring the budget into balance. In year one, we reduced approximately $800,000 and in year two we reduced approximately $1,500,000 in expenses. We are now in year three of this plan. The reason that we are having to reduce more than originally projected is a combination of unfunded mandates and state pull backs that are costing the district more than 1.3 million dollars per year.

We have also looked at additional ways to increase revenue. In 2023, we were able to affect an approximately 2 million increase in compensatory aid by working with our community to increase free/reduced lunch applications. We also worked to begin ADSIS funding which provided state aid for some of our intervention positions. Recently we also began pursuing additional revenue such as Integration and Achievement aid. These revenues have helped move us in the right direction, however, we still have a projected funding shortfall of 3.5 million dollars for next year prior to any reductions. 

What options have been discussed?

As we look to close the gap between our revenues and expenses, many ideas have been discussed to lower the deficit, but only a few realistic solutions have been found that would keep the district financially stable long term. We have evaluated several options and combinations of options to save dollars. Many of these options would produce one time dollars, however, would not permanently fix our funding gap. We studied these options for several months. These options all needed to be vetted to ensure savings, logistical feasibility, and long term sustainability. 

Currently, our K–3 elementary schools have many empty classrooms. This consolidation of our K-3 elementary school is projected to save about $1 million each year by increasing our operational efficiency, while still keeping class sizes within the limits set by the school board.  I understand that this proposal may be upsetting for some families. However, it is something we need to seriously consider in order to avoid larger future challenges.

Why do we have room at our K-3 Sites?

Declining Birth Rates: Prior to 2017, our Kindergarten classes averaged around 400 students. Since 2017, Kindergarten enrollment has declined and now appears to be stabilizing between approximately 270–300 Kindergarten students. These trends align with area birth rate data. As a result of smaller incoming Kindergarten classes, overall K–3 enrollment has decreased in recent years.

Approximately 37% of births at Sanford become students at Bemidji Area Schools five years later. The blue bars indicate actual births as reported. The red lines indicate Kindergarten classes five years later. Everything to the left of the yellow line represents actual numbers of Kindergarten enrollment, everything to the right of the yellow line represents projected Kindergarten enrollment based on historical averages. 

How has enrollment changed in our area schools?

Why was JW Smith chosen for consolidation?

Building Age: JW Smith is our oldest building and has accessibility issues. The building has been kept in very good condition, however, the long term cost of keeping the JW Smith site will continue to increase. 

Location of Boundary Lines: The ability to redraw the boundary lines and move students to nearby elementary schools can be accomplished without causing long bus routes and inefficient transportation routing. 

Where are students projected to attend?

Students that live north of Paul Bunyan Drive NW will be in the Northern Elementary Attendance Area, Students living south of Paul Bunyan Drive NW will be in the Lincoln Elementary Attendance Area.  Students in the Itasca and Phoenix Loop area would be in the Horace May Elementary Attendance Area. All three of these elementary schools are excellent elementary schools with a strong reputation for educational excellence.  

What is the process for this proposal?

If the School Board approves this proposal for consolidation, a hearing would need to be called per state statute. The School Board cannot take action to close a school unless a hearing has been held with an opportunity for public input. This hearing must also be advertised in the newspaper for two weeks prior to the hearing. In addition, we will be posting this on our website and communicating with our families. At the hearing, the district would outline the reasons for the closure, the proposed plan, and then follow this up with comments from the public. 

Public Hearing: March 24, 2026 5:30pm at Bemidji High School Commons 

Questions or Comments: We understand the significance of this proposal and remain committed to communicating clearly and thoughtfully as we move through this process. Bemidji Area Schools believes in transparent communication and partnership with our families. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me: Email- dr_jeremy_olson@isd31.net or cell phone: 218-407-9645. 

 

🍎 Welcome Class of 2039! 🍎

Kindergarten Registration for Bemidji Area Schools (2026-2027) is now open! Join us for an upcoming Open House from 4:00–6:00 PM:

🏫 March 17: Lincoln 🏫 March 19: JW Smith & Solway 🏫 March 24: Horace May 🏫 March 26: Northern

✅ Ready to Enroll? Register online at www.isd31.net/families/registration or email your documents (Birth Certificate, Immunizations, ID, and Proof of Residence) to registrar@isd31.net.

📞 Questions? Call 218-333-3100 ext. 31131

Community history is fascinating as it tells the story of where we have been and in many ways points out a trajectory for the future. Local history tells a story that is bigger than ourselves and yet is a story that we get a hand in writing and shaping. The Bemidji School District has been a part of that community history for the last 125 years. Our district and community have a rich history!

 

June 24, 1958 was a date that is forever etched in the memories of residents of Bemidji as this was the date in which the original Central School burned. Sue Bruns wrote an article for the  Bemidji Pioneer in 2021 that tells the story of the fire and gives some eye witness accounts, it is well worth the read! Needless to say, the burning of this school was a huge loss and had a deep and profound impact on our community. Just as our community continues to rebuild with a sense of resiliency now, the community of Bemidji then also rebuilt the school following the 1958 fire. 

 

The original Central School was where Independent School District #31, otherwise known as Bemidji Area Schools, was first created in 1900. In 1903, Central School graduated Bemidji Area School’s first graduating class. Central School continued to grow as the district grew in the first part of the twentieth century up until the school was destroyed by the fire of 1958. The original Central School bell that was reported to have continued ringing as the fire raged was preserved as part of our school’s history. This bell eventually came to reside at the Central Elementary School grounds in 1976 and remained there until 2024, when the bell was removed and placed on the Bemidji High School grounds located next to the historic old high school arch. 

 

A time capsule that contains items from students of Central Elementary School was also found under the bell. The time capsule was opened on July 24, 2025 at noon as part of a ceremony to kick off the all school reunion. The ceremony took place at the historic arch on the grounds of Bemidji High School. We thought it was fitting that the bell that witnessed the beginning years of the school district be housed next to the arch from the old high school on the grounds of the new high school. We have taken photos of all the contents of the time capsule for the benefit of the community. These items will be stored in the district office. We hope you enjoy these photos which provide a window into life in 1976. Enjoy and go Jacks!