First Day for Fargo Public Schools

It's also the last first day for Horace Mann Elementary, which will close at the end of this school year.

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – The traffic started out slow on the cool and clear morning of August 27 but picked up intensity as the clock drew nearer to the ringing of the first bell at Roosevelt Elementary.

This intersection near campus is known for higher-than-average traffic speeds and some unpredictable turns.

The Fargo Police Department had extra patrols out and about to encourage safer driving.

“Those peak travel times,” said Officer Thomas Dye, “(we want) to be out here and make sure people are driving safe, and to enforce the laws when it comes to school zones especially.”

Dye, though, is generally more focused on what goes on inside the school.

He says the most rewarding aspect of his work as a student resource officer is building trust with those he protects.

Speaking of buildings – Horace Mann Elementary had its last first day in its current form, with the school board voting in July to replace the 110-year-old structure.

New FPS Superintendent Dr. Cory Steiner was on hand to greet families at Horace Mann.

He says a lot of thought went into the decision to move on from the historic building, but, right now, he’s focused on making the 2025-26 school year as great as possible.

“I’m excited because I believe we’re going to do that,” he said. “We’re going to create the world class education where people just want to get through the doors because they can’t wait to be here.”

The plan is for Horace Mann students to attend Madison, Roosevelt, or Washington Elementary starting in 2026.

The district is hoping construction on its new elementary school on the Horace Mann site is completed by 2028.