List of possible names for new elementary school in Fargo is narrowed down
The names were submitted by the public, and board members selected their favorites. 437 unique names were submitted. Each board member selected up to five names to bring to the full board.
The 29 names selected by members are:
- Bison Meadows Elementary
- Bridges
- Charlie Kirk Elementary
- Clint Hill Elementary
- Colwell Elementary
- Era Bell Thompson
- Fred Rogers
- Giiwendinoog
- Gladys Ray
- Great Plains Elementary
- Heritage Elementary
- Horace Mann Elementary
- Jeanna North Elementary
- Kate Selby Wilder Elementary
- Keystone
- Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary
- Meadowlark
- Métis Elementary
- North Star Elementary
- Northside Elementary
- Pioneer Elementary
- Prairie Rose Elementary
- Roger Maris Elementary
- Roughrider
- Sky Prairie
- Steve Stark
- Sunflower Elementary
- Trefoil
- Unity Elementary
Fargo City Commissioner Michelle Turnberg drew criticism when she suggested naming the school Charlie Kirk Elementary. Variations of the name, including ‘Charlie Kurk’ and ‘Kirk Elementary,’ were submitted 92 times. Submissions included the rationale that “this would be a great way to honor an American who truly loved his country.” One person said they were “unsure” why the school should be named after Kirk, but supported the idea. 21 submissions included ‘anything but Charlie Kirk Elementary.’
Horace Mann Elementary was submitted 147 times, making it the most popular suggestion.
The school board will rank its top five names at its November 12 meeting. The final naming decision will be made at the board’s November 25 meeting.
The new school is set to open in the fall of 2028.
