In April 1916, a special election was held in which voters overwhelmingly approved a new school. After the votes were counted, the New York Mills Herald reported that children, teachers and citizens gathered around a huge bonfire on Main Street to celebrate. Education has always been important to New York Mills.

Through the years, School District 47 became smaller as the town was incorporated, the rural population grew, and following the current trend, rural districts began to consolidate, with the town’s district being restricted to only those families within the city limits.
On April 12, 1951 many of the rural districts in the area voted to become consolidated with the secondary school system located in the city. District 553 was formed. With the town’s growth, a much larger school was needed. A new elementary school was added in 1953.

The 1917 school building, including several other additions throughout the years, served New York Mills until voters approved a new high school in 1991. While the city did not have a celebratory bonfire as in 1917, people were still excited.

Al Berube from the New York Mills Citizen Support Group said “there’s no question people wanted a new high school, and they are going to get one.”

Then High School principal Jim Mann summed up people’s feelings when he commented,
“it’s almost like winning the World Series.”

Through the years, District 553, now centralized at one location for grades pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, has had an addition of a beautiful state of the art auditorium, additional classrooms and a third gymnasium along with numerous interior and facility upgrades in recent years. The school district is proud of the fine education given to the students of the area, and enrollment numbers continue to grow, especially with open enrollment options. Students continue to excel not only in academics, extra-curricular activities including athletics, fine arts and more, but also in character.

It is a priority at the New York Mills Schools to prepare students for life...not only in their education, but also to be the best human beings they can be. Many of the local residents are graduates of this school, as were their parents and grandparents, and as their children and grandchildren will be in the years ahead. Carrying on a legacy of excellence is what School District 553 in New York Mills does best.