Hibbing board schedules public hearing on proposed Greenhaven Elementary closure

The Hibbing Public School District board on March 4 authorized the superintendent to schedule a dedicated public hearing on the proposed closure and sale of Greenhaven Elementary, to be held no later than March 31, 2026, ensuring opportunity for community input and review of the required closure report under M.S. 123B.51.

Acting Superintendent McDonald provided the update that accompanied the authorization and announced a community meeting set for 6:00 p.m. on March 26, 2026, at the Lincoln Auditorium to gather local testimony and information related to facility reconfiguration for the 2026–27 school year.

The board’s motion to authorize the hearing was moved by Director Jeff Polcher and supported by Director McLaughlin; the motion carried unanimously. The resolution specifically references Minnesota Statute M.S. 123B.51 and requires availability of the closure report for public review as part of the hearing process.

During the public-comment portion of the meeting, Ashton Martin spoke concerning the proposed closure of Greenhaven Elementary, expressing community interest in the topic. The board’s action schedules formal public review and creates a procedural opportunity for residents, staff and other stakeholders to file testimony and review the district’s closure analysis.

The board did not take a final vote on a closure or sale at the March 4 meeting; it limited its action to scheduling the hearing and directing the process described in statute. The hearing must be held by March 31, 2026, and the district has set an in-person opportunity for the community on March 26.