Fargo board selects 'Horusman' for new North Side elementary after tight ranked-choice result

The Fargo Board of Education voted unanimously to name the new North Side elementary school Horusman Elementary after board members completed a ranked-choice selection process that ended 28–27 in favor of Horusman over Northstar.

Board member Robin Nelson moved that the district select "Horusman" for the new building to be located on the Horusman site and to open in fall 2028; Jason Nelson seconded. Board secretary Amry conducted a roll-call vote; each member recorded "yes," and the motion carried 9–0.

Robin Nelson, who spoke at length during the discussion, framed the decision as recognition of neighborhood history. "If we change this name, we are robbing them of their identity," she said, urging retention of the longstanding name and citing precedents in the district for retaining historic school names.

Leandra, who coordinated student input, told the board that K–5 students across sections were closely divided: "Northstar Elementary and Horseman Elementary" tied in the student balloting, with 18 sections producing a 9–9 split. That student tie underscored the narrow margin in the board's own ranked tally (Horusman 28, Northstar 27).

Board member Jason Nelson supported naming schools after people, saying it "gives the students someone to look up to" and said he would back Horusman. Missy noted that ICON, the district's architects, are conducting community outreach and plan to "honor all of the buildings" in program and design so histories of replaced schools are acknowledged in the new facility.

Board members described the name choice as tied to community identity and to the district's goals about student opportunity and inclusion. Board member Nimal emphasized that a school's name should reflect values and inspire students, invoking examples such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as a namesake that embodies equity and opportunity.

The board used an online "forest matrix" ranked-choice tool to record preferences from the five finalist options; President Laura Christensen read the tabulated results before the motion. The other finalist names and their finishes were read aloud: Prairie Rose (fifth), Martin Luther King Jr. (fourth), Unity (third), Northstar (second), and Horusman (first).

Next steps discussed by the board included continuing architect-led outreach and long-range facility planning tied to the new school's construction timeline. After the vote, the board moved on to routine reports and scheduled its next meeting for December 9.

Votes at a glance Motion: "That the board select Horusman as the name of the new elementary school building to be built on the Horusman site and open in fall of 2028." Mover: Robin Nelson; Second: Jason Nelson. Roll-call: Gullixson (yes), Jason Nelson (yes), Kristen Nelson (yes), Robin Nelson (yes), Olenburgger (yes), Berkeland (yes), Clark (yes), Day (yes), Christensen Mineer (yes). Outcome: Approved, 9–0.

Context: Board members noted the decision followed outreach to school communities and student participation; several board members also referenced ongoing district planning work including budget meetings with principals, and a separate update noted the district's engagement with local taxing-entities on House Bill 1176. The board also acknowledged receipt of a tragic email about a Discovery Middle School student death and offered condolences to the family and staff.