Moorhead Considering More Schools

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 Moorhead’s population continues to grow, but will the number of schools be growing as well?
 
Officials say new schools would help prevent overcrowding, but they first need community input.
 
Lacey Romie lives in Moorhead and is the parent of 14-month-old Vinny.
We caught up with the family this summer at Moorhead’s Watermelon Festival.
She likes that the city has a lot to offer for her and her family.
 
“Moorhead’s actually known, it’s a great family environment; the school districts are pretty good and sports teams,” said Romie of Moorhead.
 
She’s concerned that Moorhead schools are exceeding capacity.
The district’s elementary schools were designed for approximately 750 students and are now serving more than 850.
 
“Looking at elementary school in the next few years, that’s something that’s definitely something that’s important to us, is making sure that we keep class sizes small so that the children can get the most benefit out of that,” said Romie.
 
Student enrollment is projected to increase at around 3 percent each year for the next five years.
Moorhead Superintendent Lynne Kovash says the district is looking at a plan to build a new elementary school and add to a middle school while reconfiguring some grades.
 
“We want to make sure that our educational system, our schools keep up with the good things going on in Moorhead,” said Kovash.
 
There are also options to add to the existing high school or build a new one.
 
School officials say they need to ask a few questions before going on with the construction of any new school.
 
“Do the number match up with building another elementary school? Do the numbers match up with building an addition? Is that what our community wants?” said Kovash.
 
School officials say they are working on a community survey to see what parents like Romie think about the school additions.
 
Kovash says the community survey will be ready around April.