Board holds first reading of proposed 2028 elementary attendance boundaries tied to new north‑side school

The Fargo Board of Education received a first reading of proposed 2028 elementary attendance boundary changes to accommodate the planned north‑side elementary at the Horseman site.

Craig Clark, Staff member, introduced the planning rationale and Missy, Staff member in planning, presented maps and enrollment projections. Missy said Washington Elementary has shrunk and is projected to fall to about 227 students without changes; the district proposes shifting the Washington boundary south from 15th Avenue to 12th Avenue to stabilize enrollment and reserve capacity when the new north‑side school opens. Missy added that some areas shown on the maps currently have no students living there but could in the future.

Missy also described predicted enrollment and utilization under the proposed maps, noting a projected increase in free‑and‑reduced‑price lunch concentration at some buildings (Washington up about 7 percent under the proposal) and that Madison would show higher special‑education percentages because it hosts two specialized programs. The proposal includes limited grandfathering for students in grades 2–5 currently attending Horseman or Roosevelt so they may finish at their current buildings during construction.

Board members asked about community outreach and whether families would be notified before formal approval. Staff said past practice was to send custom letters to affected families after approval and that the Board could direct earlier notice, but staff cautioned that early communication can cause confusion if boundaries change before final adoption. The item was a first reading and no boundary decisions were made; staff said they will return with an implementation plan in December with details about communications, grandfathering and program placements.