BEMIDJI AREA SCHOOLS

Bemidji High �� to host annual 'Meet the Band' event July 1

Daltyn Lofstrom — Sat, 28 Jun 2025 13:30:00 GMT

BEMIDJI — �� may be out, but the Bemidji High �� marching band is still in session.

Coordinating their steps, waving flags in unison and playing their instruments with technical skill, students and directors alike have continued to frequent school grounds in preparation for the band’s "Meet the Band" event set for 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 1, at BHS.

The annual event serves as a fundraiser for the marching band to offset costs associated with competition season, namely travel expenses.

For a $20 admission fee, attendees will be treated to a pulled pork dinner followed by performances and awards for senior members.

Initial musical preparation began in March with steps being fully fleshed out once the last day of school concluded.

“We have rehearsals a couple times a week where we work mostly on music, but then do a little bit of footwork and some marching technique with whoever can make it — working around spring sports,” Director Derek Wickum said. “Our season officially starts the first day after school gets out.”

With "Meet the Band" quickly approaching, Wickum commended the work of the students as well as additional staff for their assistance throughout the process.

“I can’t do this by myself. It’s just too much,” Wickum said. “There are too many moving pieces to be able to take control of all of it.”

Wickum added that student membership is also on the rise, nearly matching pre-pandemic numbers.

“We’ve got numbers in the 70s now, and that’s really good,” he said. “Pre-COVID, we were in the 80s or 90s, so we’re almost there.”

Regardless of numbers, the opportunity to showcase each member at "Meet the Band" can’t come too soon for Wickum.

“I’m just excited for everybody to see the show that the kids will put on. They’re doing such a great job with it,” Wickum left off. “It’s a really fun event and it’s going to be a great show.”

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Bemidji school board approves preliminary 2025-2026 operating budget

Daltyn Lofstrom — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 16:34:59 GMT

BEMIDJI — As it inches closer to the start of the 2026 fiscal year, the Bemidji Area ��s Board of Education unanimously approved the district’s preliminary 2025-2026 operating budget at its regular meeting on Monday.

�� boards are required to approve their budgets prior to July 1, or before the start of the upcoming fiscal year, with the idea that budgeting will change throughout the school year.

“The goal in creating this budget book is to provide transparency and education around historical financial data as well as future projections,” District Business Director Ashley Eastridge said. “It is written in a way that both informs and educates the reader on important topics related to school district operations such as funding, enrollment, capital projects and fund balance on a local and statewide level.”

Eastridge added that operating budgets change throughout the course of the fiscal year as projections become current data.

“Once we have the actual figures for the current year that we're in now, then we're able to look at the trend data and make necessary adjustments for a revised budget in December or January,” Eastridge added.

Among several notable numbers, Eastridge highlighted audited results of revenue sources from the 2024 fiscal year, comparing the district’s sources to statewide averages. The district leveraged 12% of its revenue from federal sources compared to a 6.5% statewide average and 75% from state sources compared to a 72% statewide average.

Local sources – including the operating levy and program fees – clocked in at 13% of the district’s revenue sources, while statewide, the average was 21%.

“Our district receives a significantly lower percentage of local sources than the statewide average,” Eastridge said. “Our district has tried to be respectful to our local taxpayers and only utilize what is necessary for operations.”

Looking at expenditures, the district spends 81% on salaries and benefits compared to 74% statewide, leaving 19% for all other expenses relative to the 26% statewide average.

"This is important to remember whenever we discuss budget reductions because those reductions are people," Eastridge added, "which makes it very difficult in making those decisions."

Bemidji Area ��s spends 7.3% on student transportation compared to 6.6% statewide. Educational services also exceed the statewide average, 89.5% to 88.3%, respectively.

“Although we’re spending more on transportation than the statewide average, we’re still putting our dollars into the classroom,” Eastridge noted, adding that 3.3% is spent on administrative costs compared to 5% statewide.

In creating the budget, the board book lists the following assumptions regarding the general fund, the most significant fund for district operations:

Increase in general education formula aid of 2.74% Decrease in compensatory revenue funding of $172,000 due to formula change Summer-term unemployment costs of $550,000 with revenue to fund it No change in special education cross subsidy of 44% Decrease in enrollment of 0.99% from 2024 to 2025 Estimated increase in employee costs for negotiated (unsettled) labor agreements Estimated inflationary factor of 3% on non-payroll expenditures Planned spending of $650,000 to renew curriculum cycle Planned spending of $300,000 for transportation fleet Planned spending of $350,000 for technology needs Planned cost reductions totaling $1,537,698 for licensed and non-licensed staff and supplies

Excluding restricted funds, operational revenues for the 2026 fiscal year equal $65.3 million and operational expenses total $66.2 million.

With $1 million being transferred out for restricted costs, the district is looking at a $1.9 million deficit and an estimated ending fund balance of $8.4 million. This would leave the district with a 12.7% fund balance relative to its operating expenses, exceeding the district’s operating fund balance goal of 10%.

Following approval of the preliminary budget and other business, the board entered a closed session for Jeremy Olson’s superintendent evaluation before adjourning.

A more detailed breakdown of the district’s budget will be available on the district website at bemidji.k12.mn.us.

The full meeting can be viewed on the Bemidji Area ��s YouTube channel.

The next regular board meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Monday, July 21, in the district board room.

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2025-2026 budget, material distribution policy to be reviewed by Bemidji school board

Pioneer Staff Report — Sun, 15 Jun 2025 16:22:00 GMT

BEMIDJI — The Bemidji Area ��s Board of Education will meet in regular session at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, June 16, in the district office board room.

The board is set to review the 2025-2026 preliminary operating budget, which will cover several topics related to school district operations such as funding, enrollment, capital projects and fund balance on a local and state-wide level.

The board will also conduct a first reading of the distribution of materials on school district property by non-school personnel.

The board will then enter a closed session at approximately 8 p.m. to conduct Superintendent Jeremy Olson's annual evaluation.

The public can attend the meeting in person or watch it on the Bemidji Area ��s YouTube channel.

An informal listening session will precede the regular board meeting at 6 p.m. at the district office. The board will also meet in a work session at 5 p.m. to discuss integration and achievement revenue.

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Bemidji High �� graduates define their success as class of 2025

Daltyn Lofstrom — Sat, 24 May 2025 21:07:01 GMT

BEMIDJI — “Sometimes, you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.”

Credited to the late Dr. Seuss, this quote officially represents Bemidji High ��’s class of 2025, who celebrated the end of an era and the start of a new one during their commencement ceremony at the Sanford Center on Saturday.

Proceeding into the arena in a sea of navy blue and white, the most recent addition to BHS’ alumni base — including graduates Moraya Holleman and Annabelle Haas — had the opportunity to reflect on the past 13 years as they prepare for the rest of their lives.

“Today is a very special day, and it’s special for more than just receiving a diploma,” Holleman said. “We have spent the last 13 years of our lives striving for the success of walking across this stage and receiving our diplomas.

“Most of us have never had something that we have worked so long to achieve — something so life-changing, something so permanent — that we can say we did, thus far, in our lives. We have spent seven hours a day, nine months a year, working for this day.”

Throughout much of the ceremony, emphasis was placed on what defines success. Bemidji Area ��s Superintendent Jeremy Olson encouraged graduates to focus on four core pieces of advice — be grateful, keep learning, be resilient and live with purpose — as ways to focus on what matters most.

“We only get one life, live it well,” Olson said. “At the end of your life, it’s not going to matter what promotions you’ve had, how much you’ve earned, how large your house is, the kind of car you drive. What matters most is how you’ve invested in others. Your impact will be measured by that.”

Holleman expounded on certain definitions of “success” and urged her classmates to reconsider what it means to be truly successful.

“Success is often defined by money and fame,” she said. “We are an amazing group of people who have had so many accomplishments in this school over the last four years, and I have no doubt that we are going places. But let’s not get caught up in the modern definition of success that we forget what true joy, kindness and true success are.

“We can reach for the stars. We can become pro-athletes, professional musicians, amazing inventors and entrepreneurs, and maybe even billionaires. But all of that means so little if we aren’t good people.”

A class of endurance

Principal Jason Stanoch used the word “endurance” to describe the class of 2025 when looking back at their past four years at BHS.

"Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines endurance as ‘relating to a race or other sporting event that takes place over a long distance or otherwise demands great physical exertion, stamina.’ Four years is a long time to endure,” Stanoch said. “Some of you might think that today is the end of the game, but just like halftime in football or between innings of softball or between periods of hockey, the game has just begun.

“You will continue to represent our school and community as Lumberjacks in the game of life.”

Stanoch also provided notable stats for the graduating class, which included 112 academic letter winners, 60 graduates with grade point averages of 3.9 or higher, 59 honor graduates and 49 members of the National Honor Society.

One graduate attained a National Merit commendation along with three semi-finalists for the National Merit Scholarship, which is considered the most prestigious and competitive scholarship in the nation.

The class attained 96 medallions across 110 career pathways within the Bemidji Career Academies. The class also represented 12 tribal nations, recorded 56 Native American graduates and had 10 international exchange students.

A total of 18 student-athletes will continue to compete at all levels in their respective sports.

Collectively, the 2025 class earned a total of 1,572 college credits, which equates to more than 13 bachelor’s degrees from a four-year university.

Graduates are set to attend an array of colleges, including Bemidji State, Hamline University, Swego and Illinois State University, among others.

Recognized at a May 15 senior awards program, the class has earned nearly $3 million in scholarships.

“That number continues to grow every day as we receive notices from various colleges, institutions and organizations that are investing in your future,” Stanoch added.

Noting the class’ continued success — given its expansive definition — Stanoch expressed appreciation for the class of 2025’s impact on BHS as they represent their alma mater outside its classroom walls.

“We will forever be grateful for the legacy of success that you have added while you were at BHS. You have brought joy to our lives — the staff, our students, our families,” Stanoch left off. “We are excited to watch your journey beyond high school.”

The full graduation ceremony can be viewed on the Bemidji Area ��s YouTube channel.

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Jeremy Olson Column: Reflecting on student success and forward movement

Jeremy Olson, Bemidji Area ��s — Sat, 24 May 2025 11:50:00 GMT

As we celebrate graduation and approach the end of this school year, I wanted to reflect on this past year. This has been a year of student success and forward movement. This has also been a year of challenge as we navigate and position the district for future success.

Our intentional focus is on providing academic excellence while also providing real-world experiences and opportunities. This is why we offer our students an expansive list of activities which complement our academic programs.

Academics: Overall, we have had a very positive year academically. Three of our schools were recognized for academic accomplishments. Gene Dillon and Lincoln Elementary ��s were recognized by the Minnesota Department of Education as “Best Practice ��s in High Performing ��s.” The Bemidji Middle �� was recognized by U.S. News and World Report as being a “Best Middle ��.” Bemidji Area ��s' teacher quality was recognized as No. 1 in Beltrami County and No. 33 in the state of Minnesota by Niche.

While our state assessment data is embargoed until September by the state, I will share with you that our preliminary data leaves us optimistic about the academic work being done here at Bemidji Area ��s. Our teachers and staff are second to none. We remain focused and disciplined in our approach to academics. We also understand that education is not only about academic achievement but also about creating real-world experiences and opportunities for our students.

Activities: Our activities programs have been highly successful this year. Here is a quick summary of our students' accomplishments over the course of the year.

Fall season: Girls swimming and diving sent a diver to state for the first time in several years. Boys soccer worked hard to secure the section championship and went on to participate at state. Cross country sent two runners to state. Girls tennis won the section championship and competed at state.

Winter season: Debate sent an individual to state and also had an individual qualify at nationals. Gymnastics sent an individual to state who also qualified for a state medal. Boys swimming sent an individual to state competition for the first time in many years. Boys wrestling secured a section team championship and finished in fifth place in state competition. Five individuals went to state with three earning state medals. Girls wrestling sent two individuals to state tournaments and finished fourth at the Minnesota Wrestling Coaches Association’s first dual team state event. Nordic Ski had a sprint relay qualify for state and place 11th. Boys hockey finished section 8AA runner-up. Math League sent an individual to state competition. Mock Trial won their section and advanced to state competition. Unified Basketball advanced to state competition, making this the second year in a row. Knowledge Bowl advanced to state competition. Orchestra had three individuals selected for all-state. Band was selected as “Best in Show” at the Head of Lakes Jazz Fest and Gold Rating at Raging Red Fest.

Spring: Our teams are still working toward the end of their season and we have some very strong-looking teams and competitors. We are very optimistic that we will see several spring sports participants advancing to state competition.

Graduation: Graduation is at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 24. If you want to watch the ceremony, it will be livestreamed on the Bemidji Area ��s YouTube channel. Help us celebrate the many accomplishments of the class of 2025!

We have so much to be proud of and are thankful to the staff, families and students of this district. At Bemidji Area ��s, we have a rich heritage of diverse cultures, traditions and points of view. It is this rich heritage, coupled with our determination and grit, that make this community a great place to live.

Thank you for your continued support of Bemidji Area ��s. Go Jacks!

Jeremy Olson is the superintendent of Bemidji Area ��s. He can be reached at

(218) 407-9645

dr_jeremy_olson@isd31.net.

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Christiansen to represent Bemidji High �� for Assistant Principal of the Year

Pioneer Staff Report — Fri, 23 May 2025 16:33:00 GMT

BEMIDJI – Bemidji High �� Assistant Principal Christine Christiansen was recently selected to represent the northern division of the Minnesota Association of Secondary �� Principals as High �� Assistant Principal of the Year.

“Christiansen has served as an assistant principal at Bemidji High �� for the past four years,” a release said. “During that time, she has demonstrated outstanding leadership, a commitment to student achievement and a dedication to fostering a positive school culture.”

The release noted Christiansen’s instrumental role in leading special education and 504 programming to ensure equitable student support. She has also guided the school’s site team through continuous improvement efforts, led implementation of the Marzano curriculum process, and developed targeted reading and math interventions that improved academic outcomes.

“Her contributions to district-wide committees have further strengthened a positive, inclusive culture at Bemidji High ��,” the release adds.

The MASSP represents over 1,350 principals from across the state of Minnesota, divided into eight regions, with each region selecting one representative for annual recognition. In December, a statewide selection board will review all eight finalists and choose one to represent Minnesota at the national level.

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2025 Bemidji High �� graduates recognized at senior awards ceremony

Pioneer Staff Report — Fri, 23 May 2025 13:23:55 GMT

BEMIDJI — Bemidji High ��'s class of 2025 was recently recognized at the annual senior awards program that took place on May 15 for receiving scholarships and earning honors upon graduation.

Bemidji High �� 2025 honor graduates: Christianna Beldo, Annika Bertram, Mikayla Bewley, Ephram Boucher, Sarah Breyen, Kobe Brown, Elizabeth Buxton, Elizabeth Cardenuto, Katherine Corradi, Aubrey DeWitt, Bleu Fournier, Aurora Frank, Anna Frenzel, Stonewall Gessner, Elliott Gieser, Saige Gjovik, Lee Gladfelter, Sage Gonzalez, Jack Hildenbrand, Dashel Hiller, Philip Hodapp, Moraya Holleman, Ella Hommes, Reed Johnson, Brogynn Keilwitz, Brooke Kemp, Ainsley Kennedy, Briggs Knott, Shelby Kubitz, Keston Lee, Eva Levesque, Maximilian Louvar, Juel Luettinger, Matjea Malterud, Francine Mamugay, Samuel Maus, Jack McNallan, Brynn Meyer, Markus Midgarden, Brooklyn Nielsen, Samantha Nistler, Hazel Olson, Naomi Olson, Margaret Pansch, Emma Ritchie, Jordan Pemberton, Elena Peterson, Reagan Petrowske, Hudson Pink, Hayden Pirkl, Elizabeth Quandt, Livia Ritchie, Elizabeth Ross, Mollie Rupp, Maya Schmidt, Ellie Solheim, Emma Stay, Elayna Young and Charles Zellmann.

BCA Medallion Recipients

Gold: Haley Ambuehl (Public Service), Christianna Beldo (Art and Design; Event Productions), Ephram Boucher (PLTW Engineering), Zacharia Christenson (Construction Trades; Mechatronics), Kaden Columbus (Child Care and Education), Luke Dahlke (PLTW Engineering), Aubrey DeWitt (Child Care and Education; Health Science), Kavan Durkin (Business), Magnus Fjerstad (Mechatronics), Elliott Gieser (Aerospace Technology; Mechatronics; PLTW Engineering), Saige Gjovik (Construction Trades; Health Science), Lee Gladfelter (Event Productions), Trent Haugen (Construction Trades), Caleb Iron Necklace (Automotive Technology), Easten Jacobson (Construction Trades), William Koch (Business), Joshua Lundberg (Mechatronics), Francine Mamugay (Public Service), Trevor Marsh (Automotive Technology), Aila Martin (Culinary Arts), Diamonique Martin (Art and Design), Samuel Maus (Mechatronics; PLTW Engineering), Addison McCrady (Health Science), Markus Midgarden (Construction Trades), Imrie Mistic (Health Science), Morgan Nyhusmoen (Art and Design), Hunter Olson (Construction Trades), Joza Paulson (Construction Trades), Hayden Pirkl (Health Science), Landon Schroth (Natural Resources Management), Brooklynn Sjostrom (Public Service), Emma Stay (Health Science), Makiya Tate (Art and Design) and Lorenzo Walter (Automotive Technology; Construction Trades).

Silver: Haley Ambuehl (Agriculture), Caleb Iron Necklace (Construction Trades), Brie Leeper (Agriculture), Zachery Longie (Culinary Arts), Joshua Lundberg (Construction Trades), Diamonique Martin (Health Science), Joza Paulson (Automotive Technology), Luke Rud (Construction Trades), Maya Schmidt (PLTW Engineering), Natasha Severson (Construction Trades; Health Science), Christopher Smith (Agriculture), Taryn Torgerson (Public Service), Brooklyn Vernlund (Agriculture) and Kyllea White (Art and Design).

Bronze: Haley Ambuehl (Child Care and Education; Health Science; Leadership), Christianna Beldo (Culinary Arts), John Bozich (Health Science), Grace Burgess (Health Science), Jared Cherney (Construction Trades), Eren Crawford (Health Science), Isabella Crowson (Art and Design), Harley Dahl (Art and Design), Kavan Durkin (Aerospace Technology), Magnus Fjerstad (Construction Trades), Anna Frenzel (Health Science), Jolee Gruendemann (Child Care and Education), Annabelle Haas (Health Science), James Hardy (Construction Trades), Moraya Holleman (PLTW Engineering) Aliza Jones (Health Science), Ainsley Kennedy (Health Science), John Kingbird (Art and Design), Alivia Kuechenmeister (Health Science), Kyle Loeser (Construction Trades), Adelynn Lundberg (Health Science), Joshua Lundberg (Automotive Technology), Aila Martin (Business), Michael Newman (Health Science), Levi Rust (Automotive Technology; Construction Trades), Halle Sanden (Business), Maya Schmidt (Health Science), Christian Schulz (PLTW Engineering), Rebecca Shimkus (Health Science), Brooklynn Sjostrom (Health Science), Vincent Smith (Health Science), Taryn Torgerson (Business; Health Science), Charles Twelvetrees (Health Science), Brooklyn Vernlund (Child Care and Education) and Abigail Yerbich (Health Science).

Bemidji High �� Senior Awards:

BHS Principal’s Scholarships: Aubrey DeWitt and Keston Lee Horace May PTO Scholarship: Lucy Mischke and Emma Ritchie Ron Sugar Character Certificate: Jordan Pemberton Natascha Smreker Kindness Certificate: Keston Lee Liz Granlund Scholarship: Brooke Kemp and Kohv Woehle Bemidji Lions Club Service Scholarship: Aubrey DeWitt and Moraya Hollemen Brad Swenson Memorial Service Above Self Bemidji Sunrise Rotary: Charles Zellmann First National Bank Foundation Scholarship: Elliott Gieser and Zoey Headlee Jim Carrington/Bemidji Pioneer: Margaret Pansch Jim Carrington Memorial Scholarship: Stonewall Gessner and Maya Schmidt Knights of Columbus Scholarship: Elizabeth Buxton, Anna Frenzel and Samuel Maus John and Iva Lee Graupman Scholarship: Tanner Whipple Paul Bunyan Communications Scholarship: Jordan Pemberton and Tanner Whipple Minnesota Telecom Alliance Foundation: Juel Luettinger Trustar Scholarship: Hudson Pink Ultima Bank Scholarship: Brooke Kemp Beltrami Electric Cooperative Scholarship: Zacharia Christenson Cody Holte Scholarship: Jack Lundquist Northwest Minnesota Women’s Scholarship: Saige Gjovik Team Industries – Don Ricke Scholarship: Luke Dahlke, Elliott Gieser, Jack Hildenbrand and Samuel Maus Friends of Sanford Health Scholarship: Saige Gjovik and Ellie Solheim Friends of NRA Scholarship: Saige Gjovik Deerwood Bank: Elizabeth Buxton and Markus Midgarden Bank Forward: Moraya Holleman Bemidji Career Academies and NTC Scholarship: Jared Cherney, Zacharia Christenson and Markus Midgarden Betty L. Murray Scholarship: Katherine Corradi, Brennan Elting, Saige Gjovik, Lee Gladfelter, Jack Hildenbrand, Moraya Holleman, Trevor Marsh, Samuel Maus, Jack McNallan, Samantha Nistler, Emma Pellin Ritchie, Reagan Petrowske, Hayden Pirkl, Jadyn Prokop, Livia Richie, Halle Sanden, Ellie Solheim, Emma Stay, Kohv Woehle and Charles Zellmann Boyer Mechanical Scholarship: Trevor Marsh Heidi Bitzer McClure Scholarship: Aurora Frank and Stonewall Gessner Honda of Bemidji Scholarship: Christianna Beldo Jacquelyn M. Schaffer Scholarship for Music: Jack Hildenbrand James and Sylvia Sande Scholarship: Katherine Corradi and Elliott Gieser K. E. “Red” and Ruth Shannon Wilson Scholarship: Sage Gonzalez Labraaten Insurance Agency Scholarship: Lily Larson Mark Fodness Memorial Scholarship: Naomi Olson NextGrad Scholarship: Ella Klovstad Nortech Systems Scholarship: Markus Midgarden and Anh Pham North Country Snowmobile Club Scholarship: Saige Gjovik and Kohv Woehle Northern Elementary �� PTO Scholarship: Moraya Holleman Ray F. and John F. Breen Scholarship: Christianna Beldo, Ephram Boucher, Katherine Corradi, Brennan Elting, Lee Gladfelter, Moraya Holleman, Samuel Maus, Jack McNallan, Markus Midgarden, Emma Pellin Ritchie, Reagan Petrowske, Hayden Pirkl, Jaydn Prokop, Livia Ritchie, Halle Sanden, Ellie Solheim, Emma Stay, Isaac Stone, Kohv Woehle and Charles Zellmann The Vernon J. Pick Foundation: Moraya Holleman CWA Local 7272: Ellie Solheim Marshall H. and Nellie Alworth Foundation Scholarship: Elliott Gieser, Moraya Holleman, Ainsley Kennedy, Samuel Maus and Hazel Olson Hagan Scholarship: Lee Gladfelter, Ainsley Kennedy and Hazel Olson Ladig Family Scholarship: Brooke Kemp Harry Moore Scholarship: Jaiden Karas William and Dona Mae Naylor Scholarship: Jaiden Karas College and University Scholarships

Bemidji State University:

STEM Scholars Award: Marc Abella Full Tuition Music Department: Brooke Kemp George W. Neilson BSU Alumni Foundation: Brooke Kemp Lloyd and Shirley Lee Scholarship: Naomi Olson Music Scholarship: Anh Pham BSU Alumni Relative Scholarship: Maya Schmidt Fred Breen Scholarship: Maya Schmidt

Concordia College – Moorhead:

Early Bird, Excellence, Music and Presidential Scholarships: Elizabeth Buxton Climb STEM and Concordia Excellence Scholarships, Legacy and Alumni Award, Presidential Scholarship and Priority Cobber Award: Katherine Corradi Concordia Excellence and Presidential Scholarships: Stonewall Gessner

Hamline University:

Honors and Music Scholarships: Margaret Pansch

Illinois State University:

Major General James Ursano (Army Emergency Relief) and Redbird Scholarships: Lee Gladfelter

Michigan State University:

Maynard Kennedy Turtle Island Acknowledgement and Presidential Scholarships: Reed Johnson

Minnesota State University – Moorhead:

Fire Up Scholarship: Kennedy Olson

North Dakota State University:

Carroll D. & Maud Murray King Scholarship: Ainsley Kennedy Bison Merit Award: Samantha Nistler

Swego:

Go Oswego and Presidential Scholarships: Dashel Hiller

The College of St. Scholastica:

Benedictine and Catholic Student Scholarships: Ephram Boucher Alumni Association, Benedictine, Legacy and Saints Success Scholarships: Aubrey DeWitt Federal Pell & MN State Grants, Benedictine and Alliss Scholarships: Brynn Meyer

University of Minnesota – Duluth:

Early Applicant and UMD Outstanding Credentials Scholarships: Sarah Breyen Best of Class, Early Applicant and Northern Lights Scholarships: Maximilian Louvar and Hazel Olson Athletic, Carson, Northern Lights and University of Minnesota Duluth Scholarships: Mollie Rupp

University of Minnesota – Twin Cities:

Presidential Scholarship: Moraya Holleman Presidential and Promise Scholarships, U of M College of Science and Engineering Tuition Grant: Samuel Maus Alpha Kappa Psi, CGI Study Abroad, Freshman Housing and Herbert E. Olson Scholarships: Jack McNallan

University of North Dakota:

Academic Achievement Scholarship: John Bozich, Aurora Frank, Ella Hommes and Lucy Mischke Presidential Scholarship: Elliott Gieser, Francine Mamugay, Jordan Pemberton, Hudson Pink, Ellie Solheim, Emma Stay and Tanner Whipple Merit Scholarship: Clara Hoyum, Sullivan Okerlund, Garrett Ressemann and Kohv Woehle Susan Peters Memorial Scholarship: Jordan Pemberton

University of South Dakota:

Coyote Beginnings: Livia Ritchie

University of St. Thomas:

St. Thomas Merit Scholarship: Juel Luettinger, Elena Peterson and Elizabeth Cardenuto

Winona State University:

Presidential Honor Scholarship: Jack Hildenbrand]]>

Joshua Lundberg to continue entrepreneurial pursuits post-graduation

Pioneer Staff Report — Wed, 21 May 2025 15:39:00 GMT

As graduation season arrives each year, the Pioneer features one graduate from each college and high school in the coverage area. Senior Joshua Lundberg is this year’s featured graduate from Bemidji High ��, which will host its commencement ceremony at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 24, at the Sanford Center.

The Pioneer provided Lundberg with a series of questions to answer:

What are your plans after graduation?

I plan on continuing to work and travel to new places before embarking on my own entrepreneurial journey.

What piqued your interest in your post-graduation plans?

I have been inspired by the achievements of my friends and family, whose success motivates me to pursue similar accomplishments.

Have you had a favorite class throughout high school?

Mr. Toward’s economics class has been my favorite.

What activities have you participated in?

I have been a part of the trap team here at BHS.

What’s been the greatest struggle or hardship you have overcome in your life?

Consistently managing the demands of my after-school job while maintaining good grades and professionalism in the classroom.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

The start of my professional career early on in high school has really been a blessing. The fact that I was able to do good in school and still show up to work five days a week has really been an accomplishment of mine.

Who is your greatest mentor?

My greatest mentor is Jacob Slough.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

In my spare time, I am usually farming with my grandpa or snowmobiling, depending on the time of year.

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Bemidji school board approves increases in student activity fees, admission

Daltyn Lofstrom — Tue, 20 May 2025 17:12:08 GMT

BEMIDJI — As graduation quickly approaches, the final Bemidji Area ��s Board of Education meeting of the 2024-2025 school year saw considerable discussion on increases for fees to participate in sports and fine arts activities, as well as admission fees for the next school year.

On the heels of $1.5 million in reductions decided during an April 28 meeting, the board has not only looked at making reductions, but also increasing revenues.

“As we look into trying to balance our budget as a goal of the school board, we had to look at increasing our fees because our costs are increasing, as well,” Superintendent Jeremy Olson said. “We also wanted to balance that with our strategic goal of making sure that participation in our rich assortment of activities is feasible to parents and that we have avenues for individuals who can’t afford it.”

Generally, changes include a $1 increase for admission fees for certain events. Activity fees for Tier 1 sports — often more costly to deliver — will increase from $190 to $210, while Tier 2 will see an increase from $150 to $170.

Additionally, boys and girls golf will be moved from Tier 2 to become a Tier 1 sport.

“Not all sports and activities cost the district the same,” Olson added. “If you’re in a more costly sport and even though it’s subsidized by the school district to a great degree, Tier 1 is still going to be a little higher (in out-of-pocket cost) than Tier 2. That’s why they’re broken up.”

Fine arts fees will increase from $110 to $120 for Tier 1 fine arts — show choir, La Voce Ballo, speech and debate — and Tier 2 activities will be an increase from $90 to $105, affecting activities such as Knowledge Bowl, Mock Trial and marching band, among others.

Middle-schoolers will also see an increase from $110 to $125 per activity.

Amid concerns regarding affordability, the board discussed the current policy, which aims to ensure that a student can still participate if unable to pay a fee.

“I hate to increase fees, but sports aren’t cheap,” board clerk Jenny Frenzel said. “If it makes anybody feel better, we have the right to waive any fee if a parent or guardian is unable to pay. I feel a lot better that we’re never going to turn anybody away.”

Policy also states that students who qualify for free and reduced lunches pay a $30 fee for all sports and activities. Moreover, veterans and guests over 65 years of age can obtain a complimentary lifetime activity pass at the district office.

After more discussion, the board unanimously approved a first reading of the new policy.

MSHSL membership

Along similar lines, the board also approved its annual membership in the Minnesota State High �� League.

“This (resolution) is about being a member of the league, not saying that we agree with every single one of its stances,” Olson explained. “This is really about participation and making sure that our kids have an opportunity to participate.”

This renewal is the first following U.S. President Donald Trump’s Feb. 5 executive order banning transgender students from competing in girls' and women’s sports nationwide.

The MSHSL announced thereafter that it would continue to allow transgender participation in girls’ sports, arguing that their eligibility is determined by state law, the Minnesota Human Rights Act and the state constitution.

Given these developments, board chair Dave Wall expressed support for MSHSL membership despite personal opposition to the MSHSL’s stance.

“Before any federal executive orders came, I expressed concern about boys playing in girls’ sports and I am not ashamed to say that publicly. However, I do not feel that I’d want to inhibit or punish the kids in our school district by voting against membership,” Wall said, “because I value the good side of sports and everything they do for kids throughout the state.”

Board treasurer Ann Long Voelkner noted her support for the MSHSL, adding, “I really appreciate their attention and opportunities for students to learn how to lose a game respectfully and how the winning team treats people. That will help kids moving into the future because we’re not always going to win all the time.”

The board then unanimously approved MSHSL membership for the upcoming school year.

Reviewing the rates

District Curriculum Director Colleen Cardenuto presented graduation rate data for the class of 2024, which saw a district-wide decline from 77.6% in 2023 to 74.8% last year. A total of 288 students out of 385 graduated within four years, while 53 dropped out and 23 continued to earn their diplomas beyond a four-year timeline.

Students receiving free and reduced lunches came in below the district average and also experienced a decrease from 2023’s graduation rate of 61.2% to 60.6%.

Male students experienced a sharper decline from 2023 compared to their female counterparts. Males in 2024 graduated at 71.4% compared to 75.6% in 2023, and 2024 females graduated at 78.3% compared to 79.4% in 2023.

American Indian graduates experienced a rate increase from 2023, clocking in at 53.1% from 52% respectively.

Given a mixed bag of results amid a historic statewide increase, Olson noted certain steps the district is taking to change course, particularly with data collection and reporting.

“Sometimes, when a student moves out of state or goes to another school, if we can’t identify that with the Minnesota Department of Education, that gets counted against us,” Olson said. “We should also look at systematic changes and what those look like. What should alternative education look like? How do we support our students? How do we make sure that student achievement and academics are infused in our entire system?”

Summer projects

District Business Director Ashley Eastridge presented an overview of the district’s summer capital projects schedule, showing roughly $515,300 in expenses funded by long-term facilities maintenance funds and operating capital.

Eastridge noted that LTFM funds are used for deferred capital expenditures and maintenance projects that prevent further erosion of facilities, increasing accessibility of school facilities and health and safety projects. The schedule also serves as a planning document that changes on a regular basis.

“The 10-year plan incorporates a district-wide, long-term schedule for roof replacement and parking lot seal coating/overlay, as well as many other items. Then, we reduce the projects to a more current window and assign a budget of approximately $1.3 million each fiscal year,” Eastridge said. “In the short term, some projects are deferred and some new ones are added.”

Specific upcoming projects include LED lighting retrofit at Horace May and J.W. Smith Elementaries as well as the district office, resurfacing the indoor running track at Bemidji High ��, and replacing walk-in cooler condensing units in the BHS kitchen.

The full meeting can be viewed on the Bemidji Area ��s YouTube channel.

The next regular board meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Monday, June 16, in the district board room.

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Bemidji school board to review graduation rates, summer capital projects

Pioneer Staff Report — Sun, 18 May 2025 15:40:00 GMT

BEMIDJI — The Bemidji Area ��s Board of Education will meet in regular session at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, May 19, in the district office board room.

The board is set to review its 2025 capital projects schedule with a total expense estimate coming in at $515,300.

District Curriculum Director Colleen Cardenuto will then present 2024 graduation rates, which were made available to the public by the Minnesota Department of Education on May 7.

In a discussion-only work session taking place at 5 p.m., the board will review district goals, cell phone policies and Superintendent Jeremy Olson's performance evaluation.

The public can attend the meeting in person or watch the meeting on the Bemidji Area ��s YouTube channel.

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