The Grand Forks Public Schools Board meeting on December 9, 2024, focused on the demographic makeup and resource allocation at Kelly Elementary School. The discussion highlighted the challenges and successes in meeting the needs of a diverse student population, which currently consists of 83% white students, with smaller percentages of Asian, Black, Hispanic, and Native American students.

Kelly Elementary serves 472 students and has 24 general education classrooms, maintaining a balanced structure across grade levels. The school has transitioned from a Title I to a non-Title I designation, which has raised concerns about adequately supporting students who require additional resources. The principal emphasized the importance of utilizing available resources effectively to support students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, noting that 64 students at Kelly come from low-income families.

A significant point of pride for the school is the recent development of a new special education suite, funded through a combination of ESSER dollars and district funds. This suite includes two new special education classrooms and a sensory room, enhancing the support available for students with special needs. The addition of a second autism classroom has fostered collaboration among teachers, allowing them to work closely together and share resources effectively.

The meeting also addressed the spatial challenges that arose from these changes, as the reconfiguration of the building was necessary to accommodate the new classrooms and sensory room. The principal expressed optimism about the improvements made over the past two years and the ongoing commitment to meeting the diverse needs of all students at Kelly Elementary.

Overall, the discussions underscored the school’s dedication to providing a supportive learning environment while navigating the complexities of resource allocation and demographic changes. The board plans to continue evaluating how best to serve the student population moving forward.