Parents speak out over transparency concerns with Fargo Public Schools’ long-term plans

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – Parents in Fargo Public Schools are voicing their concerns and displeasure over the long-range planning. One of those parents, Crystal Whalen, says she has two kids that go to Jefferson Elementary which is in talks to merge with Lewis and Clark. Which could mean Jefferson closes.

“A lot of our families walk because they don’t have a car. So if you move the school out of walking distance it means they don’t get to participate in community events that bring the students together and build those fundamental relationships at a young age.” said Whalen.

There are a lot of moving parts in regard to the future plans of Fargo Public Schools. But when it comes to what the parents want for their students and community, to them they feel as though they are not being heard by FPS.

“First and foremost I want transparency from the committee and from our school district,” said Whalen. “So impacted families understand what’s happening and then have an opportunity to provide feedback. I also would really like the district to reevaluate the demographic of the impacted schools because these are the kids that need the most attention.”

A lot of the Title I schools in the district are essentially facing major changes with the long-range planning. Under Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, this provides assistance to state and local educational agencies to meet the needs of at-risk children. Jefferson is a Title I school.

Whalen said she looked through the school district’s annual report for 2022 to 2023. She says her research showed most of the students in these types of schools are non-white students, students who receive fee assistance and benefits compared to the non-impacted schools. Whalen says losing Jefferson will greatly impact the neighborhood.

“It means a great deal to the community to have the school right here so that our community can stay intact and grow together. And these lower income, older neighborhoods and sense of community is really important.” said Whalen.

One concerned parent wrote about her experience at one of these long-range meetings saying that it’s not only parents who are concerned but staff as well.

“When a teacher asked about their job as Eagles was projected to close in 2025 as an elementary school, Dr. Gandhi had no reassurance that their job was secure. How can the leader of the school district not care about the teacher and their jobs? ” wrote the concerned parent to KVRR.

We were told by the school district that the media is not invited to these meetings with parents. And that they declined to do an interview with us.

“And I don’t think it’s just Jefferson. I’ve talked to parents at Lewis and Clark, at Eagles and at Washington. And unanimously folks feel like we’re not engaged.” said Whalen.

The school district will finalize the plan on March 5 and present it on March 19.