Grand Forks Central High School unveils goals and achievements in community presentation

The Grand Forks Public Schools Board convened on March 31, 2025, to discuss key updates and initiatives from Grand Forks Central High School. The meeting featured a presentation led by Principal John Strandell, who highlighted the school's rich history, diverse student body, and academic achievements.

Strandell opened the presentation by celebrating the school's 130th graduating class, set to graduate on June 2, and emphasized the importance of tradition at Grand Forks Central, which dates back to its first graduating class in 1886. He detailed the school's demographics, noting that it serves 1,045 students, with a significant portion coming from six feeder schools. The student body is predominantly white (65%), with notable Hispanic (14%), Black (10%), Native American (7%), and Asian American (3%) populations.

The presentation also addressed academic performance, revealing that nearly one-third of students are enrolled in advanced courses, and the school had the highest number of National Merit finalists in North Dakota in 2024. However, challenges were acknowledged, including a high mobility rate of 32% among students and a significant percentage of students (20%) on Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

Associate Principal Gabe Dahl discussed insights from a senior survey, which indicated that 91% of students feel cared for by their teachers, and 96.5% feel known by at least one adult in the school. These findings underscore the school's commitment to fostering a supportive environment, although there is room for improvement in students' sense of belonging, which was reported at 49%.

The board also reviewed the school's academic goals, focusing on improving proficiency rates in English and math. The school aims for a 1% increase in proficiency on state assessments and is implementing strategies to enhance literacy and critical thinking skills among students.

The meeting concluded with discussions on the "Choice Ready" initiative, which aims to prepare students for post-secondary opportunities. Challenges related to self-reporting of work experience and perceptions of military readiness were identified, along with plans to address these issues through improved communication and support.

Overall, the meeting highlighted Grand Forks Central High School's dedication to academic excellence and student well-being, while also recognizing the ongoing challenges that require strategic attention and action. The board expressed commitment to supporting the school's initiatives as they work towards fostering a more inclusive and academically successful environment for all students.