7 Major Changes Reshaping Fargo ND Public Schools: What Parents Need To Know For 2025-2026
Fargo Public Schools (FPS) is undergoing a transformative period for the 2025-2026 school year, marked by new leadership, significant financial decisions, and key infrastructure projects designed to manage the growing population of North Dakota’s third-largest school district. As of today, December 22, 2025, the district is moving forward with a newly adopted budget and the long-awaited construction of a new elementary school, signaling a commitment to modernization and expansion.
The changes are not just administrative and financial; they directly impact students and families through proposed boundary shifts and a renewed focus on academic and wellness programs. Understanding these seven critical developments is essential for any parent or resident invested in the future of education in Fargo.
New Leadership and Financial Stability: The 2025-2026 Fiscal Blueprint
The foundation of the district’s new direction rests on two major pillars: a change in executive leadership and the successful adoption of a new fiscal budget. These elements provide the stability and vision necessary for the district’s upcoming initiatives.
1. A New Era Under Superintendent Dr. Cory Steiner
A major shift in leadership occurred in mid-2025, with Dr. Cory Steiner officially beginning his tenure as the Superintendent of Fargo Public Schools in July 2025. This transition marks a new chapter for the district, which educates over 11,200 students across its twenty-four schools. Dr. Steiner’s background and vision are expected to guide the district through its current growth challenges and academic goals.
2. The Adoption of a \$93.56 Million Budget Levy
In a crucial financial move, the Fargo Board of Education voted to adopt the final 2025-2026 budgets. This action certified a levy of approximately \$93.56 million, providing the necessary funding for the district’s operations, staffing, and capital projects. The budget preparation was particularly challenging, having been finalized amid uncertainties surrounding unresolved state legislation and unsettled teacher negotiations.
3. Securing the 2025-2027 Teacher Contract
A significant factor in the district's stability is the successful agreement on a new teacher contract, which runs from 2025 through 2027. This contract resolves a key unknown that complicated the budget process and ensures a consistent and supported teaching staff for the coming school years. Maintaining a strong relationship with its educators is vital, especially given the district's competitive student-teacher ratio, which was reported at 12.01 during the 2023-2024 school year.
Infrastructure Expansion and Critical Boundary Realignments
As the population in Cass County continues to expand, Fargo Public Schools is actively addressing capacity issues by building new facilities and proposing significant changes to school attendance zones.
4. Approval and Naming of a New Elementary School
To alleviate overcrowding, the Fargo Board of Education approved the construction of a new elementary school on July 8, 2025. This project is a direct response to the district’s growing enrollment figures. The new school is specifically intended to serve students currently zoned for Horace Mann Elementary, and potentially other nearby schools like Madison and Roosevelt Elementary Schools, which are also experiencing high enrollment. As of late 2025, the district has engaged the community with a "name that school" contest, generating excitement and local involvement in the new facility.
5. Proposed Major Northside Boundary Changes
Directly tied to the new school construction is the proposal for major northside boundary changes. These realignments are necessary to efficiently distribute the student body across the existing 24 schools and the new facility. Parents in the affected areas, particularly those currently attending Horace Mann, should closely monitor the Board’s decisions, as these changes will determine which school their children attend starting in the near future. The goal is to ensure all schools operate at a sustainable capacity while offering equitable educational resources.
Academic Excellence and Student Wellness Initiatives
Beyond the structural and financial changes, FPS is continually updating its academic framework and student support systems, focusing on comprehensive development and addressing modern challenges like student trauma.
6. Focus on Core Academic Intervention Programs
Fargo Public Schools maintains a strong commitment to academic success through its Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework. This system is designed to provide targeted support to students who need extra help in core subjects. Key intervention programs used across the district include:
- SIPPS® (Systematic Instruction of Phonological Awareness, Phonics, and Sight Words): A foundational program for early literacy.
- Restorative Practices: A behavioral and relational approach aimed at building community and repairing harm, reducing disciplinary issues.
- Virtual Academy: Offering flexible learning options for elementary and middle school students, including a full curriculum in Math, Science, Social Studies, English, and Arts.
These programs support the district's overall high standards, reflected in a recent graduation rate for the 2023-2024 school year that was reported at over 76%.
7. Enhanced Student Wellness and Family Services
A recent report on the state of Fargo’s public schools highlighted the importance of addressing student trauma and improving the overall school experience. In response, the district is emphasizing its Student Wellness & Family Services programs. This initiative focuses on mental health support, social-emotional learning, and creating a safe and inclusive environment for all students. By prioritizing the well-being of its K-12 students, Fargo Public Schools aims to create a more effective learning atmosphere, ensuring that students are not only academically challenged but also emotionally supported.
The Future of Education in Fargo
The 2025-2026 school year is shaping up to be one of the most dynamic in recent Fargo history. With the new leadership of Dr. Cory Steiner, a robust \$93.56 million budget, and the concrete steps toward a new elementary school and boundary realignments, the district is positioning itself for sustained growth. While challenges, such as the previously mentioned "Pledge controversy" and the ongoing need to address student well-being, remain, the current initiatives demonstrate a clear and decisive path forward. For residents of Cass County and parents of the 11,200+ students, staying informed about these changes is crucial to navigating the evolving landscape of Fargo Public Schools.
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