News

Madelia Public Schools Receives Exemption to Continue Blackhawks Mascot

 Madelia, MN (June 23, 2026) – Madelia Independent School District 837 has been granted an exemption by the Lower Sioux Indian Community Tribal Council in the State of Minnesota to continue using the Blackhawks as its school mascot. The decision, communicated in a letter dated June 23, 2026, from Lower Sioux Indian Community President Joseph O’Brien, follows a formal review of the district’s exemption request.

The Minnesota Legislature passed a law to end the use of Native mascots and other imagery in Minnesota public schools in 2023. Schools are allowed to apply for an exemption from the nearest federally recognized tribe.

The Lower Sioux Indian Community, headquartered in Morton, Minnesota, reviewed the information submitted by the district and determined the exemption was warranted. President O’Brien’s letter confirmed the Community’s decision, stating: “After careful review of the information submitted, the Community grants the requested exemption.”

“We are grateful for the thoughtful review conducted by the Lower Sioux Indian Community,” said Superintendent Shelly Bauer. “We remain committed to honoring the Blackhawks name with the dignity and pride it deserves and will continue to only use the image of the hawk as our mascot as we have done since 1993.”

The district’s pursuit of the formal exemption process demonstrates its commitment to engaging respectfully with Indigenous communities on matters of cultural significance. Superintendent Bauer submitted a formal exemption request to the Lower Sioux Indian Community Tribal Council, the closest neighboring federally recognized Tribal Nation. The request included required district information as outlined by the Minnesota Department of Education and an open invitation for the Tribal Council to ask questions or seek additional information. 

Madelia Public Schools Board of Education Selects Lowry as New High School Principal

The Madelia Independent School District 837 Board of Education has named Paul Lowry as the district’s new High School Principal. The appointment, approved at a Special Board meeting on June 4, 2026, takes effect July 1, 2026. 

Lowry brings 27 years of experience in education to the role, having served Lac qui Parle Valley Schools in Madison, Minnesota as a social studies teacher, coach, and as lead school counselor for grades 7–12. He holds degrees in Social Studies Education from Concordia College, a Master’s in Counseling and Human Resource Development from South Dakota State University, and a specialist degree in Education Leadership from Minnesota State University Moorhead, completed in 2025.

During his tenure at Lac qui Parle Valley, Lowry led several innovative programming initiatives, including the creation of a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Licensure course, a modified block schedule, and a construction trades course funded through grant dollars. He also served as President of the LQPV Teacher’s Union and chaired the district’s student scholarship program.

“We are pleased to welcome Paul Lowry to Madelia Public Schools,” said Steve Sorenson, Chair of the Madelia ISD 837 Board of Education. “Paul has a proven ability to build trust with students, staff, and families, and his collaborative leadership style is exactly what our school community needs.” 

Congratulations to our No. 1 seeded baseball team who will play their first ever Class A Championship game at Target Field on Monday, June 15.  They are playing the No. 2 seeded Red Lake County Rebels who are the defending Class A Champions.