Moorhead Student Enrollment at an All-Time High!

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Moorhead schools haven’t seen this many students since the mid 90s.

And they welcomed them all back for the first day of school.

KVRR’s Sarah Brechbill joins us live at Robert Asp Elementary School.

Sarah?

TJ and Alison, The Moorhead schools are busier than ever welcoming back 6,000 students.

But with such a high number, Moorhead police are also stepping in to make sure back to school is done safely.

Buses and parents line outside Robert Asp Elementary School, as Moorhead students finish their first day of school.

6–year–old Aidaan was excited to see his dad.

“I had some free time and then my dad picked me up.”

He’s just one of the 6,000 students starting their first day of school within the Moorhead School District. In the next five years, the district expects over 7,000 students.

“It’s a combination of birth rate and a combination of people moving into the community because we’re seeing people from all over the country moving into Moorhead,” says Moorhead Superintendent Dr. Lynne Kovash.

But with more students, comes more traffic.

Both Moorhead police and school officials are making their plea to students and their parents.

“Please slow down,” says Kovash.

“They’re going to be around big buses, they’re going to be crossing when you’re not expecting them to,” says Lt. Tory Jacobson of the Moorhead Police Department.

It’s day one and already a 17–year–old girl was stopped for speeding on her way to school, and will have to pay a hefty fine.

“The 17-year-old who was cited for 50 mph also didn’t have a seat belt on so we’re looking at $275 for their speed and $110 for their seat belt. So a very costly day to learn that lesson,” says Jacobson. 

A lesson that Moorhead parents like Kjersten are hoping hits home.

“There are a lot of kids period and there are a lot of kids walking to school but at the same time there are lots of kids on buses too so always to be careful,” says Kjersten Skatvold of Moorhead. 

And Lt. Jacobson tells me even for running a stop sign, you’re looking at a hefty fine starting at 125 dollars.

TJ and Alison, there are also cameras on all Moorhead buses so don’t think you’re getting away with it.

Reporting Live. Sarah Brechbill. KVRR News.