The Lake Superior School District held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Minnehaha Elementary School in Two Harbors on Thursday to mark the completion of a variety of upgrades.

This project was part of a $44.1 million plan approved by district residents on November 2, 2021. The plan aims to enhance educational spaces and modernize infrastructure across district facilities.

“When we invest in our schools, we aren’t just thinking about today,” said Lake Superior School District Superintendent Gina Kleive. “It’s not just the financial investment, it is facilities that support 21st century learning for our students, for our staff. Accessibility, safety, a place where people feel comfortable to learn, not just in the direct rows, but the collaborative spaces that have been created, as well as the flex spaces that have been created, looking into the future. “

Improvements included security enhancements, updated electrical and plumbing systems, and integrated educational technology. There were also aesthetic upgrades such as new flooring, ceilings, and furniture. Additionally, there is a new “cafetorium” that is meant to allow students to explore their fullest potential.

“We wanted to design opportunities for kids. Not just renovate the building, but if we’re going to renovate the building, what can we do with the space to create more things for kids to experience and do?,” said Minnehaha Elementary School Principal Brett Archer. “A big part of that to me was building a cafetorium with a stage for kids to perform on. If you build it, I believe they’re going to perform. We built a makerspace.”

Another goal of the remodel was to bring more light into the building with new windows and a redesign of the hallways. There are also architectural features designed to give people the sense of looking into an agate, the school mascot.