District records consisting of clerks books (1889-1959) containing annual meeting minutes, financial records, annual reports, and school census; pupil registers (1943-1959); scattered annual reports (1914-1942); and correspondence relative to dissolution of the district (1959-1961). The McKinley School was located in the Town of Lorain from 1889-1898 and known as School District No. 5. Although the location of the school remained the same, changes in the Township's boundaries resulted in the school being located in the Town of McKinley from 1898-1950. It remained School District No. 5. From 1950-1961 the school became Joint School District No. 1, Town of McKinley (Polk County) and Town of Maple Plain (Barron County).

Clerk's annual report includes information in the categories of general control, instruction, operation, maintenance, auxiliary agencies, transportation, capital outlay, and debt service. Treasurer's annual report includes previous years budget and expenditures, and proposals for next year. Superintendent's report includes statement on finances, students and staff, physical facilities, and buildings.