Moorhead Area Public Schools predicted to increase enrollment by nearly 20 percent in next ten years, study says

(Moorhead, Minn.) – Enrollment continues to grow at school districts across the region – both in North Dakota and Minnesota.

The trend is showing true for Moorhead Area Public Schools (MAPS). A recent study indicates enrollment at MAPS is anticipated to continue growing in the next 10 years. The study predicts enrollment will increase by between 14 and 18 percent. Currently, 7,324 students are enrolled in the district.

The results of the study surprised MAPS Superintendent, Dr. Brandon Lunak.

“I think you're always surprised when you get that kind of news back that you're expected to grow approximately a thousand students over the next 10 years,” Dr. Lunak said.

He said the excitement quickly turned to concerns about making sure the district has enough room to grow.

“How are we going to take in all these students and yet be respectful to our taxpayers who just were very supportive in the 2015 bond and the 2019 bond,” Dr. Lunak said. The 2015 bond allowed for the Dorothy Dodds and Horizon West additions to the district, while the 2019 bond added the Career Academy and the new high school.

Among the reasons for the growth of the district is, according to the school district’s demographer, the fact that the diversity in the region helps keeping the economy move in the right direction, Lunak said.