J.W. Smith to remain open for now following split Bemidji school board vote

J.W. Smith to remain open for now following split Bemidji school board vote

BEMIDJI — After a month and a half of financial figures, public outcry and general uncertainty, it appears that J.W. Smith Elementary will remain open — at least for now. The Bemidji Area Schools Board of Education has considered J.W.’s closure given the district’s projected $3.5 million deficit for the 2026-2027 school year. With this in mind, the school board unanimously approved $3.1 million in reductions — including the consolidation of J.W.…