Interest in building a school near 52nd Avenue South and Interstate 29 appears to be waning among Fargo School Board members.
Several board members said Tuesday the site isn't appropriate for an elementary school because it's too close to Centennial and Bennett elementary schools.
And after recently purchasing 60 acres near 70th Avenue South and 25th Street, the board now wants to weigh the pros and cons of each site for a future high school.
"We have to be up front with the public," said board member Laura Carley. "Things have changed since we bought that (52nd Avenue site)."
Among other things, the board will consider road access and effect on the surrounding neighborhoods.
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One advantage of the 70th Avenue site is development hasn't started there, meaning it would be easier to plan roads and neighborhoods around a high school, said Dan Huffman, the district's business manager.
An advantage of the 52nd Avenue site is it abuts Fargo Park District land, which means the two organizations could develop it jointly. Its access to major roads also could make it attractive to partnerships with other entities, such as a library or performing arts center, said board member Meg Spielman Peldo.
The board's decision on a high school site likely would affect where a future elementary school is built.
If the 70th Avenue site is chosen, the district could build an elementary school on that site, or purchase another parcel of land, said board president Jim Johnson.
The board will take up the issue in July or August. The high school is scheduled to open in 2012.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Erin Hemme Froslie at (701) 241-5534
