Consequences of a "No" Vote

The Issue

Based on demographer RSP & Associates, enrollment within the district’s secondary schools is projected to increase by 14% over the next four years, from 6,486 learners in grades 6-12 this school year to an anticipated 7,386 in the 2028-29 school year.

With a current operational capacity of 6,810 across our three middle schools and three high schools, the district is projecting a deficit of over 550 seats for our learners in grades 6-12 by the 2028-29 school year.

“Plan B”

If Question 1 of the bond referendum does not pass, the boundaries for all three feeder systems will need to be adjusted to balance enrollment across the district. These adjustments would need to be in place for the 2026-27 school year. While specific streets have not yet been determined, portions of the areas highlighted in the map (attached and below) would be considered for movement first.

• Portions of the area shaded in blue with green dashed lines could move from the Mustang feeder system (Liberty MS and Sheyenne HS) to the Packer feeder system (Cheney MS and West Fargo HS). This area is bounded on the west by the diversion and on the east by I-29, between I-94 and 32nd Avenue S. 
• Portions of the area shaded in gold with blue dashed lines could move from the Hawks feeder system (Heritage MS and Horace HS) to the Mustang feeder system (Liberty MS and Sheyenne HS). This area is bounded on the west by the diversion and on the east by the Sheyenne River, between 32nd Avenue S and 52nd Avenue S. 

The potential boundary adjustments between feeder systems would be based on address, not on elementary attendance zones. To achieve the most equitable balance in enrollment, some of our elementary schools may split between feeder systems starting in the Fall of 2026, if Question 1 of the referendum fails.

While adjusting the boundaries helps to spread the growth out across all district sites, it does not increase the capacity of our facilities. Therefore, families should also expect class sizes to be roughly 14% larger, approaching an average of 30 learners per class at each secondary school. Based on where most of the district’s growth is occurring, Horace High School is expected to see class sizes approaching an average of 30 per class starting in 2025-26.  

Movement of all learners will need to be on the table during the discussion of how best to balance enrollment if the referendum fails. This includes having seniors transfer high schools.