Fargo Schools Superintendent speaks on the new school year, staff shortages, and open enrollment policies

(Fargo, ND) -- One of Fargo's educational leaders joined WDAY Midday speaking about the beginning of the school year, labor shortages, and possible open enrollment policies for the upcoming 2022-2023 school year. 

Dr. Rupak Gandhi, Fargo School Board President, says the beginning of the academic year is always an exciting time. 

"It's always nice to welcome our students back, "said Dr. Gandhi, "There is no energy like back to school energy, and I think educators all around know that it is a fun atmosphere. We are excited to welcome to welcome kids back and have another great school year."

Dr. Gandhi also spoke on the need for more positions to be filled within the district. The superintendent says Fargo Public Schools, along with other districts across the region, will continue to face staffing challenges.

"At this point in time we do have some teaching vacancies and we have a significant number of support staff vacancies across our industry, or across our organization that we need to fill, "The labor market is just short across the board. We need teachers, we need support staff, we need individuals across a wide variety of sectors."

The superintendent also spoke about the possibility of open enrollment between Fargo schools. Dr. Gandhi spoke about the process within the district and how it generally functions.

"If we have room within our school buildings that are beyond what our target enrollment is within that building, we will allow opportunities for open enrollment, "said Dr. Gandhi, "However, if there are schools that are already at our target enrollment, or are exceeding capacity, we aren't going to be able to have open enrollment. So there are going to be some school where open enrollment is open, there would be some schools where it is closed."

You can learn more about Dr. Rupak Gandhi by clicking here.