Fargo board reviews Horace Mann transition plan; Madison to house K–2 and Roosevelt 3–5 during construction
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Summary
The board reviewed a two-year transition plan for Horace Mann students while a new building is constructed: Madison will host K–2 and Roosevelt grades 3–5, with grandfathering for current grades 2–4; parents will be responsible for transportation and the principal for the new school is expected to be announced before winter break.
Administrator Missy presented the Horace Mann transition plan after the superintendent’s report. With Horace Mann to close while a new building is constructed, the district proposes a split-campus arrangement so students can remain together before the new building opens: Madison would serve kindergarten through second grade and Roosevelt would house third through fifth grades for the two-year period.
Missy described several advantages: grouping grade-level teachers to support professional learning communities, opportunities for teacher planning and PLC practice, and continuity for students who will eventually attend the new school together. The plan includes a grandfathering option for students currently in grades 2 through 4 who wish to finish at Roosevelt; that option will remain open until April 1, and parents would be responsible for transportation if they choose grandfathering.
Board members asked clarifying questions about principal hiring timelines and the number of student moves; Missy said the principal selection process is nearly complete and she hopes to announce the new Horace Mann principal before winter break. The district said it has worked with Valley Bus to adjust routes and plans to mitigate the number of transitions for students.
The presentation emphasized balancing transition disruption with the benefits of keeping cohorts together and preparing students and staff for the new building.
Next steps: the district will finalize principal selection and communicate the grandfathering and transportation details to families; questions from board members will be followed up by district administration.
