West Fargo Public Schools speaks on school safety, first week of class, and upcoming bond referendum vote

(West Fargo, ND) -- West Fargo Public School leadership spoke with WDAY Radio about the beginning of the school year, 

West Fargo Public Schools Superintendent Beth Slette said this year they are seeing approximately 13,000 students attending classes within the district. The new number is higher than the previously listed 11,807 confirmed total for first day enrollment. While the near 13,000 is not an official total, a preliminary final total is expected to be released in September, with an actual final total expected to be released afterwards.

Slette also discussed in-depth details about the bond referendum what voters need to know before they cast their ballot. The bond referendum, if passed, would aim to build a new elementary school and construct several additions in schools across the district (especially in Horace), aim to renovate and improve several buildings and schools, add safety features to schools (fire sprinkler systems to several older district buildings and interior lockdown doors), renovate athletic facilities, and purchase land for future expansions.

"If the [referendum] doesn't pass, what we are seeing right now with not being able to open Meadowlark when we had hoped to open it this year, the school have to absorb them..." said Slette, "We start having a problem with stability in our neighborhoods and having to move kids out of those schools, or having to adjust [school] boundaries to accommodate them. Even our schools on the North side, we are filling those schools."

The bond referendum is expected to raise mills by $16.03, or an estimated additional $16.03 per $1,000 taxable valuation on all bonds issued.

Voters who are within the West Fargo Public Schools footprint can vote in the September 26th bond referendum election, not just West Fargo residents. This includes Harwood, Horace, Reiles Acres, and parts of Fargo. Early voting options are also available via absentee ballot.  

You can find more information about the bond referendum by clicking here.