DEMOGRAPHIC STUDY SHOWS CONTINUED GROWTH AT MOORHEAD AREA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
MOORHEAD – A recent demographic study indicates that enrollment for Moorhead Area Public Schools is expected to continue growing in the next 10 years.
The study is predicting MAPS enrollment could range between 8,354 and 8,579 by 2032-33. This would be an increase of 14.1% to 17.1% from 2022-23 enrollment of 7,324 according to a study conducted by longtime demographer Hazel Reinhardt of Hazel Reinhardt Associates.
“We are encouraged to see the continued growth trend in our district. In a state that is declining in population, Moorhead continues to be a desired destination for families. We need to be wise and proactive to continue to provide the excellence in education that is a vital part of the projected growth,” commented Dr. Brandon Lunak, Superintendent.
Reinhardt’s study shows that in five years, that is in the 2027-28 school year, K-4 enrollment is projected to be 150 to 247 students higher than in 2022-23. Middle school (5-6) enrollment is 216 to 223 students higher than today. Middle school (7-8) enrollment is 36 to 50 students higher than today. High school enrollment is projected to be 182 to 221 students higher than today.
The report is part of the work the district is doing with True North Consultants to engage the community and district stakeholders in answering guiding questions in the development of a Facilities Master Plan for the next ten years. The work includes a facility condition report, building adequacy study, community survey, demographic study and workshop meetings with a facility planning task force.
The Facilities Planning Task Force began meeting in September. The group is tasked with providing input into the development of a comprehensive Facilities Master Plan, which will address immediate and long-term facility needs. The plan will be based on enrollment capacity, facility updates and maintenance and educational adequacy.
More information on the Facility Planning Process can be found on the district’s website.
MAIN AVE FROM 8 ST TO 11 ST CLOSED FOR NEXT STEP IN BRICK SEWER RE-LINING
MOORHEAD – On Monday, Main Ave between 8 St and 11 St closed as the next step of the Brick Sewer Project. This work will line sewer under the Main Ave intersections with 9 St and 10 St where temporary pipe was installed. Main Ave will be detoured to Center Ave using 8 St and 11 St. This work is anticipated to take 10-14 days, weather permitting.
Access to several Main Ave businesses will be affected during this construction period:
Subway can be accessed from 2 Ave S on 9 St
99 Bottles can be accessed through the Walgreens parking lot Magnifi can be accessed from Main Ave through its east driveway Walgreens can be reached from its west driveway on Main Ave near Dairy Queen
MOORHEAD LIBRARY TO HOST BOOK SALE, “HUDSON BAY BOUND” BOOK DISCUSSION THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 16
MOORHEAD – The Friends of the Moorhead Public Library have scheduled a sale of used books at the Moorhead Public Library October 16-21. The sale will be available during regular library hours throughout the week, with the option to fill a bag with books for $5 all week long. Proceeds will go to the Friends of the Moorhead Library, in support of services and programs at the Moorhead Public Library.
The same week, the library will host a Book Discussion of “Hudson Bay Bound” by Natalie Warren. The selected One Book, One Community title features Warren’s 95-day and 2,000-mile journey from Minneapolis to the Hudson Bay. The discussion will be held on Monday, October 16 at 7 p.m. at the Moorhead Public Library.
Later in the week, author Natalie Warren will give an author talk as the keynote event of the One Book, One Community program. The author talk will be held on Thursday, October 19 at 7 p.m. at Concordia College Centrum, and is made possible in part with funding from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and supported by Concordia Cultural Events, Friends of the Fargo Public Library, Friends of the West Fargo Public Library and the Friends of the Moorhead Library.
CHRIST THE KING LUTHERAN CHURCH 37TH ANNUAL HAM DINNER
MOORHEAD – Christ the King Lutheran Church (CTK) will be hosting their 37th Annual Ham Dinner and Bake Sale on Saturday October 14th from 4:00-7:00pm.
The church is located at 1900 14th St. S in Moorhead. Tickets can be purchased at the door or ahead of time by calling the church at 218-236-7576. Cost for adults is $15 and children 10 and under are $10.
LAKE AGASSIZ REGIONAL LIBRARY TO CLOSE OCTOBER 9 FOR INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ DAY
MOORHEAD – All Lake Agassiz Regional Library (LARL) branches and LINK sites will be closed on Monday, October 9 for Indigenous Peoples’ Day and will resume regular hours on Tuesday, October 10.
LARL’s branch libraries are located in Ada, Bagley, Barnesville, Breckenridge, Climax, Crookston, Detroit Lakes, Fertile, Fosston, Hawley, Mahnomen, McIntosh and Moorhead. LARL’s LINK sites are found in Cormorant, Frazee, Gonvick, Halstad, Hendrum, Lake Park, Rothsay, Twin Valley and Ulen.
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI TO BE HONORED AT MSUM HOMECOMING
MOORHEAD – Five Dragons are making an impact in the fields of mathematics, psychology, political science, technology and journalism. The Minnesota State University Moorhead Foundation will honor them for significant contributions to their professions and communities at the Night of Distinction on Oct. 12 during the university’s Homecoming Week festivities.
Each recipient exemplifies the high standards we expect from MSUM graduates and has made significant contributions to the communities where they reside and work.
Honored with the Distinguished Alumni Awards are Stacey Benson ’90, Tim Connolly ’78 and Lonni Schultz ’82. Jennifer Glenski ’13 will receive the Outstanding Young Alumni Award. Dr. Andrew Conteh will receive the Outstanding Service Award.
Read their stories at mnstate.edu/foundation/events/night-of-distinction/honorees.
SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS TO BEGIN RETURNING TO PUBLIC SCHOOLS OCTOBER 6
MOORHEAD – In August, the City of Moorhead Police Department (MPD) temporarily removed School Resource Officers (SROs) from Moorhead Area Public Schools (MAPS) due to a change in state law that put SROs at undue risk of possible civil and criminal liability. The specific concern with the law was the interpreted loss of standard law enforcement authority of officers contracted by school districts or assigned to work in schools.
During the time when they were not assigned to schools, SROs have been temporarily assigned to the dayshift, where they did routine school walk throughs and were available in case of emerging situations.
Now, after further clarification of the new law and its implications by the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office and additional legal counsel, MPD and MAPS have jointly agreed that SROs can begin returning to schools Friday, October 6.
This is good news for our schools and City. SROs are excited to return to schools where they partner with staff, build relationships, and help protect and serve our learning environments.