We've invested in our future and are ready to reap the rewards, Moorhead and Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton school district officials say.
Moorhead is completing a $69 million building program in 2004, and D-G-F wrapped up a $6.5 million program in 2003.
District officials say the new and remodeled buildings should help Moorhead and Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton attract more students who otherwise might attend school in neighboring districts.
"We think we can become a magnet for students," Moorhead Superintendent Larry Nybladh said.
Moorhead's revamped look includes:
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- The new Horizons Middle School near Meadows Golf Course
- The new S.G. Reinertsen Elementary School in south Moorhead
- The renovated Moorhead High School, to which ninth grade has been added
- The renovated Robert Asp School, which has been converted to a K-5 elementary school
- The renovated Ellen Hopkins Elementary School, formerly the district's junior high.
- The renovated Probstfield Center for Education, formerly Probstfield Elementary School.
In related moves, the district closed and sold Riverside and Thomas Edison elementary schools and demolished Washington Elementary. It also closed and sold Lincoln Early Childhood Center.
Moorhead's enrollment has been declining steadily for years. Like many other districts, it's been affected by families having fewer children.
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School officials say the new lineup of schools will allow the district to operate more efficiently -- and attract more students.
Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton voters agreed in 2001 to spend $6.5 million to improve their academic and athletic facilities.
The work, completed in 2003, included new classrooms, more music space, a media center and band and choir rooms.
D-G-F offers the best of both small and big school districts, Superintendent Bernie Lipp said.
"I invite people to check us out," Lipp said. "I think they'll be impressed."
Readers can reach Forum reporter Jonathan Knutson at (701) 241-5530
