The Fargo School Board is preparing to select a name for a new elementary school after the public submission period closed. The process has drawn attention following a suggestion by a city commissioner to name the facility after political commentator Charlie Kirk, placing the board's established naming policy at the center of the discussion.
The board now faces the task of reviewing all community proposals and ensuring the final selection aligns with district guidelines. The new school is slated to open in the fall of 2028 on the site of the current Horace Mann Elementary.
Key Takeaways
- The public submission period for naming Fargo's new elementary school has ended.
- Fargo School Board President Katie Christensen Mineer affirmed the board has the final authority on the name, not the City Commission.
- A suggestion to name the school “Charlie Kirk Elementary” has sparked community debate.
- The board will narrow suggestions to a top five on November 12 and make a final decision on November 25.
The Naming Process Begins
With the deadline for public input now passed, the Fargo School Board is moving into the next phase of selecting a permanent name for its newest elementary school. The community was invited to submit ideas, a standard practice for the district that aims to foster local engagement.
However, the process gained wider notice two weeks ago when Fargo City Commissioner Michelle Turnberg publicly suggested “Charlie Kirk Elementary.” This proposal, made in response to a district social media post, introduced a politically charged name into a typically local administrative process.
Fargo School Board President Katie Christensen Mineer has since clarified the board's role and authority in the matter. She emphasized that while all public submissions are received, the final choice rests solely with the elected school board members.
“The school board picks the name of the next school, not the City Commission. That name, if people have submitted it, will show up on the list of submissions like any other name that is brought to us,” Christensen Mineer stated.
This statement underscores the procedural separation between city governance and school district administration, reassuring the community that the decision will be made according to established educational policies.
Adherence to District Policy
The Fargo Public Schools district operates under a specific policy for naming its facilities. This framework is designed to ensure that school names reflect the community's values and have lasting, positive significance.
What the Policy Says
According to district guidelines, the school board gives preference to names that fall into specific categories. These include individuals of national or state significance, those with special local importance, or people who have made substantial contributions to education. The policy guides the board away from transient or divisive figures in favor of names that can inspire students for generations.
Christensen Mineer confirmed that the board is committed to this policy. “We can’t really control the submissions. The community gets to submit what they want to submit but when the names move forward the policy requires us as board members to make sure we select and move forward with names that adhere to the policy,” she explained.
This structured approach provides a clear set of criteria for evaluating the long list of public suggestions, which has not yet been released. The board's first step will be to filter the submissions through the lens of this policy before any names are shortlisted for final consideration.
A History of Deliberation
This is not the first time the Fargo School Board has navigated a significant naming decision. The district has a recent and relevant precedent that demonstrates its process in action.
In 2020, the board undertook the task of renaming Woodrow Wilson High School. The effort was part of a broader national conversation about the namesakes of public institutions. The process was thorough and involved extensive community input.
Renaming by the Numbers
- Total Submissions: 214
- Unique Name Ideas: 129
- Final Choice: Dakota High School
The selection of Dakota High School was seen as a name that reflected regional identity and local significance, aligning perfectly with the district's naming criteria. This experience has prepared the current board for the task ahead, including the potential for public disagreement.
Christensen Mineer acknowledged that not everyone will be satisfied with the final outcome. “I think as a board we are always ready for some criticism and some disappointment,” she said. The goal, she added, is to find a name that connects with the Fargo community.
“Hopefully we can pick a name that resonates with our community, a name that’s going to be endearing on that building and for the people that use it.”
Next Steps and Timeline
The Fargo community now awaits the school board's next move. The process is clearly defined, with two key dates marking the path to a final decision. The board has not yet revealed any of the names submitted by the public.
The timeline for the selection is as follows:
- November 12 Meeting: School board members will review the complete list of submissions. During this public meeting, they will deliberate and narrow the options down to a top five.
- November 25 Meeting: The board will hold a final vote to select one of the five shortlisted names. This will officially become the name of the new elementary school.
The new school, which will replace the existing Horace Mann Elementary, is a significant project for the district. Construction is planned to accommodate a scheduled opening in the fall of 2028. The name chosen in November will be a central part of its identity for decades to come, serving as a symbol for the thousands of students who will pass through its doors.