Proctor board backs cooperative levy to pursue state funds for Northern Lights Academy

Proctor — The Proctor Public School District board voted unanimously Feb. 9 to adopt a resolution supporting use of cooperative lease-levy authority to pursue state matching funds for a proposed Northern Lights Academy facility.

Billy Justine, executive director of the Northern Lights Special Education Cooperative, and assistant director Barb Mackie told the board the cooperative provides specialized settings for students with emotional and behavioral disorders and for students with autism, and that the academy helps member districts avoid more costly out-of-area placements. Justine said the cooperative is seeking state assistance and a local match and that the cooperative’s current request to the legislature is "we're asking for 6 and a half million," though presenters warned that the final award could be lower.

The packet shown to the board included a concept plan priced at roughly $19,000,000 and financial scenarios that rely on a cooperative lease levy match. Justine said Carlton County has passed a resolution offering a potential site near its new justice center to be conveyed to the cooperative if state funding and district approvals align. "Carlton County has already passed a resolution to support us by conveying this property to us if we get some state funding and if our boards approve this project," Justine told the board.

Board members asked about timing and phasing. Presenters said districts would vote on related levy language in December; construction would depend on legislative outcomes and permitting and could be unlikely to begin before 2028. Justine noted the cooperative is prepared to adjust a final plan (fewer classrooms or phased construction) depending on the funding level that the legislature awards.

The board’s resolution is nonbinding: if the legislature approves funds, the cooperative’s facilities committee and financial advisers (identified in the packet as Ehlers) would work with member districts on a binding local plan. The board approved the resolution by roll-call vote; the clerk recorded unanimous approval.

Votes at a glance - Resolution supporting cooperative facilities lease levy to pursue state matching funds for Northern Lights Academy — approved, roll-call unanimous. - Resolution authorizing the superintendent to close open enrollment for 2026–27 based on class-size and capacity reviews — approved, roll-call unanimous. - Payment of bills dated Feb. 2, 2026 — approved by voice vote. Listed amounts in the meeting packet: bills $339,719.58; electronic transfers $2,250,000; payrolls $2,000,013.66.

Context The Northern Lights Special Education Cooperative serves 12 member districts, according to presenters, sharing specialized staff and services so member districts pay a portion of the cost rather than funding separate out-of-district placements. Presenters said the cooperative has been searching for a permanent facility because current classes are split across several buildings, and that a consolidated site would reduce travel and per-student costs compared with sending students to Duluth or other outlying placements.

What’s next The resolution adopted by the board is a letter of support, not a binding commitment. If the legislature provides funding, the cooperative and member districts would develop a binding plan that addresses final scope, local levy details and timeline; presenters said they expect to return to member boards for additional approvals and financial planning.

Reporting note: Quotes and attributions in this article are taken from the meeting transcript and are attributed to speakers identified during the meeting; the board’s packet and roll-call results were part of the meeting record.