GF K-8 student numbers projected to grow

Enrollment is likely to grow in the Grand Forks school system over the next four to five years according to the latest projections by the district’s demographer.

Rob Schwarz of RSP and Associates expects the student count to climb to over 7,500 students by 2025-26 – an increase of around 100 students.  Schwarz says much of the growth will come in elementary age crowd.

The enrollment numbers could also impact development of a K-8 campus at Valley Middle School.  Board member Shannon Mikula questioned whether a proposed new building would be able to handle projected student capacity before it even opens.  Mikula says the website on the upcoming referendum suggests a max capacity of 850.  Business Manager Scott Berge says it’s probably closer to 975 or 1,000 students.

In other board action members approved a new contract for principals and associate principals that will cost the district an additional $178,000 dollars over the two year span.