More Schools Needed In West Fargo
West Fargo is growing so fast, the school district is looking at building at least three new elementary schools in 10 years.
The district may also need additional middle and high schools.
Freedom Elementary is one of West Fargo’s newest elementary schools.
It opened in 2012.
Bethany Foyt is the parent of 1-year-old Madilynn and 2-year-old Evelynn.
She lives in the West Fargo Public School District and is concerned about overcrowding.
“A bigger classroom would obviously be more competitive and they might lose out on that one on one interaction they have with their teachers,” said Foyt of Fargo.
She was raised in the small North Dakota town of Lisbon and would like to see the same type of education setting for her kids.
A recent study reveals classrooms in the district will be full as they continue to add 400 to 600 students each year.
“I’m initially concerned that their classes are going to be very large and so I appreciate that they’re trying to accommodate by adding more schools,” said Foyt.
School officials say there is a chance of overcrowding and that parents should be concerned about not having enough schools.
Previous schools were built by taxpayers voting to pay for them, and it’s the same case this time around.
Current projections show middle and high schools exceeding capacity by 2020.
“It’s huge, it’s the most growth in the state of North Dakota. It would show us increasing from about 9,050 students this school year,” said West Fargo Superintendent Dr. David Flowers.
To around 14,000 by 2024.
“I can’t say unprecedented anymore because it’s been happening in this district for a number of years now,” said Superintendent Flowers.
Flowers says the boom continues to be fueled by steady jobs, good schools and flood protection.
Something Foyt understands well.
“People are moving here and staying here and I think it’s important that we accommodate for the children going to schools,” said Foyt.
West Fargo public schools grew by more than 500 students last school year.
