The population sign may read 262, a small number – but the saying, “quality over quantity” rings true in Kelliher, Minnesota.
The Northwest Minnesota Foundation serves a 12 county region. It is a vast rural area, with towns big and small. There is a sense of community pride among residents and when there is a job to accomplish – they bind together to get it done.
Kelliher is one of those small towns accessing the foundation’s services to make their community a better place to live and work. If you’re passing through this town, you may never know how much work is actually being done. So we’re here to give you an inside look!
Kelliher is a town of about 265 people (2013) located between Blackduck and Baudette. It is a gateway to Upper Red Lake’s fishing tourism, and a historic logging community. Kelliher public schools K-12 enrollment was about 250 during the 2014-2015 school year. Most of those students are bused in from Redby, 45 miles away.
Native American students represent 76% of the school’s enrollment. Open enrollment makes up 49% of the student population, so nearly half of the students come from outside the school district.
Superintendent Tim Lutz has led change in the schools, incorporating projects tested elsewhere. Lutz just received the 2015 Minnesota School Counselors Association Supervisor/Administrator of the year award. Congrats Tim!
