KFGO file photo
FARGO (KFGO KVRR) – Some Fargo neighborhoods are facing the possibility of losing elementary schools and a middle school under what’s called a “Community Driven Redevelopment Plan.” The project was approved last year to address concerns for some of the district’s aging and inadequate school buildings.
“The buildings themselves obviously need a great deal of work; they are older and so things need to be updated. So money will need to be spent. But isn’t all just about the buildings, right? It’s about supporting our staff, about supporting our students. Offering more opportunities for both. If we were to do,” said Nikkie Gullickson, Board Member at Fargo Public Schools and Chair of the Communications, Engagement, and Advocacy Committee.
The affected schools include Ben Franklin Middle School, Hawthorne Elementary, Roosevelt Elementary, and Madison Elementary. The schools would be repurposed as housing, community centers, daycare centers, cafes, and more.
“We just don’t really know. This was just a process where we wanted to identify with the homeowners and those that live in those areas as to what they would like to see. To be able to keep that community feel for them,” said Gullickson.
The Fargo School Board has been working with local contractors and the city for the planning process. Currently, there are no plans for construction or funding for the selected schools.
“We’re lucky to live in an area that’s so supportive of our public schools. So we are blessed in that way. Of course, the question is, it is a big price tag, so how are we going to manage all of this? Then of course we want to be cognizant of those pieces and plan accordingly,” said Gullickson.
School district residents have been invited to take part in surveys and make comments throughout this process. If the plan is approved, decommissioning of the schools would not take place for 10 years.
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