Generations Bid Farewell to Horace Mann Elementary on Last Day of School

Emotions ran particularly high for the Faulkner family. Librarian Lydia attended the school and also sent her children through Horace Mann - one of whom now teaches at Roosevelt Elementary.

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – At 2:47 P.M. on June 4th, 2026, students began beelining for the doors of Horace Mann Elementary, maybe knowing on some level they’d never walk these halls again, but likely more focused on the freedom of summer.

For librarian Lydia Faulkner, though, saying goodbye isn’t so simple.

“Growing up, I always wanted to work at Horace Mann. I don’t know why. I just loved all of my teachers. I loved this building,” she said.

She not only has fond memories of this place as a student, but she’s also put her own children through the school, including third-grade teacher Kendall, who works over at Roosevelt.

For both, the idea that a physical place with so many memories stored in its walls will soon no longer exist is hard to process.

“I never thought in my lifetime that it would actually happen. That it would be torn down,” said Lydia.

Kendall still remembers visiting her mother in her capacity as a librarian.

“I just loved going to library, not just because I got to see my mom for 40 minutes a day, but because I love to read, and she instilled that me, and now I’m trying to instill that in students here,” she said.

So while the kids rush off towards vacation, and construction crews get ready to do their necessary work of clearing those grounds, Lydia is taking the time to let this 115-year-old building know that it was always more than just a mere structure.

Both Lydia and Kendall are staying local and moving to Madison Elementary next year to continue in their respective roles.

They also both say they hope they will be assigned to the new Horace Mann Elementary when it opens its doors to students in 2028.