Aitkin schools awarded voluntary free kindergarten funding; district to add free preschool seats and a high‑school clothing closet

The Aitkin Public School District announced that it was awarded voluntary free kindergarten funding from the state, enabling the district to offer a district-run preschool at no cost to families. Director (S7) said the award allows the district to accept early-learning scholarships and separate preschool and kids‑club spaces to expand access.

District leaders described where the new spaces will be located. S7 said two four‑year‑old classrooms will be given standalone space in Ripple Side and the kids club will move into the children's center, allowing the district to run a free preschool classroom and maintain wraparound before‑and‑after‑school care in the same facility. The change makes the program parent‑aware rated and eligible to accept early‑learning scholarships for preschool and kids club.

S7 also said the Northern Foundation has extended additional funding, some of which the district plans to direct to a clothes closet at the high school. The district has secured a third‑floor location and begun planning to purchase racks and collect new clothing donations to support students in need.

Board members asked clarifying questions about room relocations and staffing; S5 clarified the classroom moves were administrative relocations tied to available rooms and staff availability. The board received the report as part of administrative updates and noted operational details will be finalized with staff and parents.

The item was presented during administrative reports. The board did not take a separate formal vote on the grant announcement in the meeting transcript, but members confirmed the district will proceed with the classroom reorganization and the clothing‑closet planning described by S7.