Frequently Asked Questions
Purpose & Timeline
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Both Carlton and Wrenshall have worked hard to provide strong educational experiences for students, even with limited resources. However, this isn’t sustainable in the long term. State funding hasn’t kept pace with inflation, and most rural districts are struggling to sustain educational offerings. By joining together, we can stabilize our finances, offer more choices for classes, activities and support for students, and make sure our buildings are safe, healthy and ready for learning.
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Carlton and Wrenshall are set to operate as one district, ISD 100, by July 1, 2026.
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Please visit the timeline page for the step-by-step plan.
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No. In fact, more than 80 Minnesota school districts (25 percent of the state’s districts) were created through the merger of two or more existing districts. Most recently, Eveleth-Gilbert merged with nearby hockey rival Virginia to create Rock Ridge. This allowed the district to implement its career academy model for high school classes.
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The districts are building both short-term and long-term plans for education, activities, student services, finances and facilities plans as part of the consolidation process. Community and staff engagement are also key focuses during this planning period.
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The school boards and administrative teams are working closely to ensure both communities benefit from the consolidation process. Committees that include both Carlton and Wrenshall residents will be able to provide feedback and recommendations through each step of the consolidation process. If you would like to serve on a committee or have a question, please email raptors@isd100.org. This joint website will also be used to share updates, answer questions, and provide community members with the opportunity to share their feedback.
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Please return to this website and monitor the districts’ communications channels for updates on consolidation as we move forward.
Financial Impact
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As part of the consolidation, the two districts will transition to a joint budget, with oversight from the district’s financial experts and business managers.
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The two districts will continue to levy separately for taxes payable in 2026. After the districts are combined on July 1, 2026, the consolidated district will levy for taxes payable in 2027. Parcels in the former Wrenshall district are expected to see a decrease in their taxes for 2027, and parcels in the former Carlton district will see an increase.
Facilities & Infrastructure
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We are currently reviewing the pros and cons of three possible school configurations. These options will be presented to the boards, and they will select one. In every option, both South Terrace in Carlton and Wrenshall High School will be used.
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We are exploring potential buyers for the property, as well as a short-term (1-2 year) lease extension for the current tenant, Northern Lights Academy. If no viable buyer is identified, the district will strongly consider demolition of the facility to ensure it does not become a long-term burden to the community.
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The district plans to address several immediate needs, including a secure entrance at South Terrace, as well as essential maintenance such as roof repairs at Wrenshall High School and parking lot improvements.
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In the future, the district will study the cost of additional improvements that will be needed. One option is a bond referendum to address broader facilities updates, such as repurposing learning spaces to support the new grade alignment and other renovations to support education.
Staffing & Leadership
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Both districts share the goal of maintaining all teacher and staff positions needed to deliver high-quality education. As the transition planning continues, teams will seek ways to address needed efficiencies while preserving small class sizes.
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Some staff may need to travel between buildings, depending on shared curriculum needs. Current staff will be given multiple opportunities to assist in this planning.
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We plan to move forward with one superintendent and will recommend a principal in each school, as well as a consolidated six-member school board (three from Wrenshall and three from Carlton). Other leadership positions will be determined during the transition planning process.
Student Experience
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We are planning for a 5-day school week.
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Our goal is to preserve small sizes, which we plan to do by becoming a two-section district. Individual class sizes may vary, depending on the number of students and staff at each grade level. At this time, it is too soon to predict specific changes.
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Transportation routes will be adjusted to accommodate the new grade configurations. The districts will work together to create efficient routes that minimize travel time for students.
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The district will become the Raptors, an identity we already share. Each district’s separate mascots will be carefully archived and used to demonstrate the important role each played in our community’s history.