Latest News

Fargo Public Schools announces the assignment of Sean Safranski as principal of Davies High School. He will assume the position for the 2025-26 school year on July 1.

Get this week's news and events from across Fargo Public Schools in the current issue of SCHOOLTALK. This week's issue highlights include newsmakers, feature columns, and more.

As FPS concludes the 2024-25 school year, and Superintendent Dr. Rupak Gandhi finishes his seven-year superintendency, Dr. Gandhi thanks the community for embracing him and his family, looks back on his final year with FPS, and expresses confidence that the District will continue to thrive going forward. Read his farewell message.

Parents are reminded to check their children's lunch account. Information can be accessed by logging into the PowerSchool parent portal and clicking on SchoolPay. Parents should also be aware that there are opportunities for students to receive free meals and grocery assistance this summer. Read more about end of year procedures for lunch accounts and programs available for summer food assistance.

The Mental Health Series features Ask a Therapist LIVE will hold events each month over the summer. They offer a unique opportunity to engage directly with a licensed therapist!

As the end of the school year nears, both teachers and students are preparing to finalize grades. It is crucial for teachers to communicate and review each student’s body of evidence and letter grades. Likewise, parents should review their student’s gradebook and reach out to teachers with any questions or concerns.

The FPS library team would like to remind students, staff, and families of the wide variety of reading options offered through the summer from our local public libraries, public businesses, and by accessing our District e-book collection through Sora. FPS has a number of great opportunities and resources to encourage its students and staff to keep reading over the summer break.

​Fargo Public Schools announces the assignment of Erin Sinner as North High School Assistant Principal and Lori Nappe as Explorer Academy Assistant Principal.

The Fargo Board of Education and the Fargo Education Association do not yet have a negotiated agreement, but they are well underway with the 2025-27 negotiations season. The FEA and the Board have been hard at work negotiating since April 2, and despite challenges, they have or are close to having agreements on many topics discussed.

As the FPS community of educators, students, and families navigates the evolving landscape of Evidence-Based Reporting and the Bimodal Matrix, there is a need to bring people together more intentionally and inclusively to examine shared goals and next steps. Beginning this fall, FPS will request participation from a dedicated, secondary group of educators, administrators, and instructional leaders to collaborate and explore grading practices that best support student learning, consistency, and transparency.

FPS staff recognize that student success goes beyond academics. That’s why they are committed to supporting the whole child through Multi-Tiered System of Supports. Progress was made this year in refining the District's MTSS-SEB (Social, Emotional, Behavioral) framework. MTSS-SEB represents an intentional shift from the former MTSS-B model - focused primarily on behavior - toward a more comprehensive, whole-child approach.

The FPS Calendar Committee met over the course of multiple meetings to develop the 2026–27 school calendar. The committee was comprised of teachers, parents, principals, students, district office representatives, a Fargo Education Association member, support staff, and a School Board member. Read more about the process of creating the calendar and see the approved 2026-27 calendar.

When classes break for summer, work starts on Fargo Public Schools' buildings. Over the next few months, FPS will tackle many capital‑improvement projects spanning multiple facilities in the District. The focus is simple: safer, more efficient learning environments that serve students, staff and community for decades to come.

Fargo Public Schools announces the assignment of Tera Sistad as principal of Early Childhood Special Education. She will assume the position for the 2025-26 school year on July 1 from Donna Johnson, who is retiring.

Fargo Public Schools' libraries are transitioning from their current Destiny library catalog system to Insignia Library System - a move that will bring improved features, streamlined management, and meaningful cost savings for our District.

FPS is proud to share that its 2024–25 Level of Determination Report Card reflects meaningful progress in its commitment to supporting students with disabilities. Issued annually by the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction, the LoD Report Card evaluates how school districts are implementing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Read more about key improvements during the 2024-25 school year and areas for continued growth.

The business services department is tasked with balancing a complex budget, one that supports more than 11,000 students, employs more than 2,000 staff members, and ensures every dollar is spent wisely to Educate and Empower All Students to Succeed. FPS is in a difficult budget cycle, like other school districts in North Dakota, preparing next year’s operating budget while facing two major unknowns: unresolved state legislation and unsettled teacher contract negotiations.

Summer EBT will be available to eligible families in North Dakota this summer. This program provides additional help for families with children to buy nutritious food when school is not in session. The benefit is $120 per eligible school-aged child and must be used within 122 days of issuance. Most families will get these benefits automatically, but some will need to apply.

 

Fargo Public Schools has been named one of United Way of Cass Clay's Top 50 Generous Workplaces. More than 650 businesses partner with United Way every year. These businesses serve as a role model for corporate social responsibility which in turn creates a culture of caring among their employees.

The FPS Self-Directed Academy (SDA) is now enrolling students in grades 5-8 for Fall 2025. Students who may be a good fit for SDA possess intrinsic motivation to learn, set personal goals, and take ownership of their own learning. The SDA learning model is built on the principle that learning should be self-directed, competency-based, and not confined by traditional time constraints.

FPS students are first introduced to languages in seventh grade in the World Language Survey course that introduces language-learning and exposure to the four languages that are taught in the District. FPS offers French, German, Latin and Spanish starting with students in eighth grade and continues through level 4 at the high school. Language study provides many opportunities and benefits for students. Studies show that learning a language can enhance memory, problem-solving skills, and cognitive flexibility.

Members of the FPS Standards-Based Instruction team attended the North Dakota Science of Reading Explicit Instruction Academy, deepening their understanding of research-backed practices outlined in “Explicit Instruction: Effective and Efficient Teaching" by Anita Archer and Charles Hughes. The training emphasized that even experienced educators benefit from ongoing learning — in Archer’s words, “How well I teach = how well they learn.”

Fargo Public Schools anticipates 847 kindergarteners in its elementary schools for the 2025-26 school year per enrollment projections. As of the end of March, only 408 students have been registered. To ensure FPS can provide the best possible start for every child, families must register their kindergarteners right away. Early registration allows the District to plan appropriately for fall. 

The community has the power to help support visual and fine arts in FPS simply by recycling aluminum cans with the Arts CAN Do program. Funds raised directly benefit arts programs in FPS. Recycling receptacles are located at many recycling centers around town.

March is Theatre in Our Schools Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the vital role theatre education plays in shaping students and strengthening communities. Theatre programs foster creativity, confidence, and collaboration. These skills benefit students moving forward as they continue their education and enter the workforce.

The Board Planning Committee exists to make sure the full Board has all the information it needs to make decisions regarding FPS resources and physical assets. In addition to overseeing the District’s budget, the Planning Committee works with administration to develop, update, and implement our long-range financial and facilities plans. 

 

 

The Association of School Business Officials International announced that the Board of Education of the City of Fargo has been awarded the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting. This honor recognizes school districts that uphold the highest standards of financial reporting and transparency. The school district earned the Certificate of Excellence for its exemplary Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

Career and Technical Education courses play a crucial role in preparing students for the workforce by providing them with practical skills, industry knowledge, and career readiness. Effective instruction in these courses requires a strong foundation in Tier One instruction — high-quality, evidence-based teaching strategies that ensure all students receive essential skills and knowledge.

AD-Ventures is a district publication to help families find activities for their children throughout our community. It is published on the first of each month September-May. 

This fall, FPS asked community members to complete a Climate and Culture Survey. Insights gained from the survey results play a critical role in shaping FPS strategies and ensuring that the District meets the needs of our students and their families. Community feedback directly influences District plans, aligning with its 2024-25 Unified Strategic and Operational Plan. Read more about what was learned from the Fall Climate and Culture Survey and how those results are shaping the future planning of FPS. 

Since 2008, FPS and TNT Kids Fitness & Gymnastics have worked together to provide inclusive physical education opportunities for students with disabilities. What began as a vision to integrate movement-based learning into the school system has evolved into a robust partnership that continues to empower students of all abilities. In this feature Column FPS Director of Special Education Shelby DiFonzo discusses the origins, impact and future of the collaboration with TNT Kids Fitness & Gymnastics CEO Kim Pladson.

Science is more than a subject - it is a way of thinking, questioning, and understanding the world. In this Feature Column, Science Facilitator Allie Kollman highlights the passion and insights of FPS teachers and students who bring science to life in the District's classrooms every day.

High School Physical Education is embarking on an innovative journey to transform the way students engage with their health and fitness with the Human Performance class, a newly developed program focused on lifelong personal wellness and fitness goal achievement. This inclusive class will be offered throughout the school day, ensuring accessibility for all students, while also providing targeted support for student athletes through sport-specific training.

FPS teachers work together in Professional Learning Communities to improve teaching and help students succeed. PLCs use teamwork and problem-solving to focus on analyzing student work and making a plan to reteach using student data. Evidence-based reporting plays a big role in making these meetings more effective by helping teachers make smart decisions based on common formative assessment data. Read more about how EBR helps guide teachers' decisions in this Feature Column by New Teacher Mentor Program Coordinator Joy-El Johnsen and watch the

The three comprehensive high schools at FPS introduced Proficiency Days in the Spring of 2024 as a structured academic intervention for students with missing assessments and/or failing grades. These designated days are designed to provide students with the opportunity to complete essential assessments, receive targeted support, and demonstrate their level of proficiency on missing or retake assessments. Read more about what the data says about the effectiveness of Proficiency Days in this column by Science Facilitator Allie Kollman.

February marks Career and Technical Education Month, a time to recognize the powerful impact of CTE programs in shaping the future workforce. In North Dakota, the month is celebrated with the theme Igniting Potential, Inspiring Excellence. Its intent is to showcase how CTE empowers students with the skills, knowledge, and experiences needed for success in high-demand careers. Read more about CTE Month and CTE programming in FPS

 

Kindergarten registration is open for the 2025-26 school year! Registration is a two step process. Child must be 5 years old by July 31, 2025 to attend.

In recent years, the FPS Speech-Language Pathologists have participated in panel presentations with various regional universities, sharing insights about their experiences working in schools. These panels, aimed at students in Communication Sciences and Disorders programs or in the Department of Speech-Language Pathology programs, provided an in-depth look at the role of an SLP across different educational levels in public schools.

In a world of constant information, communication, alerts, apps and more, sometimes it’s hard to know the quickest path to find the information you need. It’s essential that parents and community members are able to stay connected with our district and keep informed about the incredible programs, initiatives, and achievements that make FPS a cornerstone of our community. Whether you are a parent, or community supporter, we’ve established robust communication channels to ensure you have access to timely and comprehensive information.

FPS collaborates with Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) to support students with disabilities in employment. VR is a program designed to support individuals with disabilities in achieving their employment goals. It helps individuals prepare for, secure, maintain, or advance in meaningful careers by providing resources, training, and guidance.

At FPS, we know that the success of our students is deeply rooted in the partnership between our staff and parents. Together, we create a community where every child feels supported, valued, and inspired to achieve their full potential. It’s this collaboration that makes FPS a special place for learning and growth. Read about the important collaborations between FPS staff and parents to create an exceptional experience for every student 

As the end of the semester approaches, both teachers and students are preparing to finalize grades. It is crucial for teachers to communicate and review each student’s body of evidence and letter grades. Likewise, parents should review their student’s gradebook and reach out to teachers with any questions or concerns.

The District Student Support Team is a dedicated group of professionals working collaboratively to support students from Early Childhood Special Education through Grade 12. The purpose of this team is to provide building teams an avenue to request assistance for students with complex behavioral or academic needs (both students with and without an IEP/504).

In line with its commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, FPS is implementing an enhanced process and procedure for Adapted Physical Education. This initiative is not merely a compliance measure with the guidance set forth by the ND Department of Public Instruction, but a proactive step towards ensuring that every student, regardless of ability, receives tailored physical education services.

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In support of our commitment to equitable and transparent grading practices, FPS is implementing Standards-Based Instruction (SBI) and Evidence-Based Reporting (EBR) for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in general education settings. Beginning in the 2024-25 school year, asterisks will no longer be used on progress reports K-12 to indicate student proficiency levels.
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Although the Fargo Board of Education Negotiations Committee has not yet formally begun negotiations, the committee has been meeting and has been busy at work preparing for the 2025-2027 negotiations season.

Emergencies are, by their nature, unpredictable. However, when students and staff are well-prepared, the response can be swift and effective. Emergency drills are vital to help build a school-wide culture of safety. Teaching students and staff exactly what to do, whether it's a fire, a lockdown situation, or a tornado, prepares them to respond in the first moments in the safest way possible.

Find out more about reimagining four core school sites: Ben Franklin, Hawthorne, Roosevelt and Madison. To ensure plans reflect the values of those who live in the community, we want to hear from you!

In late fall of 2023, the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction released the ND-ELA Alternate Assessment Standards. This document aligns the North Dakota State Content Standards and the Dynamic Learning Maps Essential Elements to assist districts in developing curriculum, scope, and sequence for students with the most significant disabilities.

When giftedness resides alongside autism, ADHD, dyslexia, or other learning difference in the same person, the person is said to be “twice exceptional” or “2e” for short. The presence of at least two neurodiverse conditions in one brain can present unique challenges for twice exceptional people. It can also present great potential and lead to exceptional outcomes.

This school year, the Fargo Board of Education's Planning Committee will continue to be heavily involved in the implementation of the newly adopted long-range facilities plan, which was approved by the Board on June 11, 2024. Creating a plan is just the beginning. Now that plan must be put into practice, which will take a lot of effort and will again require gathering input from the community throughout the year.

When students take time to reflect on what they’re learning, they perform better in school. Research shows that self-assessment and reflection are two of the most effective strategies for improving learning. When students think about what they’ve learned and identify areas they need to work on, they can set clearer, more meaningful goals.
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Starting in the month of October, kindergarteners and children in our early childhood programs will begin bringing home red Raising a Reader book bags each week. The red bags contain three books that families can share together and return to school the next week. The goal is to support families in establishing, enhancing, and maintaining home reading routines.

This fall, FPS is excited to introduce Proficiency Days at our comprehensive high schools. These days are designed to help students focus on their academic growth and reach their full potential. Proficiency Days provide targeted opportunities for students to improve their skills and progress toward their goals. Watch the video.

 

 

This year, FPS started using the term "Multilingual Learners" instead of "English Learners." This change is more than just a new name — it shows the District's commitment to understanding and valuing students’ cultural backgrounds. Read more about the transition from English Learners to Multilingual Learners in this Feature Column by Multilingual Learners Facilitator Jenna Polley.

The Fargo Board of Education approved the final mill levy certification and district budgets for the 2025 school year on September 24. Most individuals think of the General Fund when it comes to school district budgeting, however, Fargo Public Schools budgets for and operates multiple funds, some of which are reserved by law under North Dakota Century Code and can only be used for specified purposes.

At the core of the Standards-Based Instruction/Evidence-Based Reporting model are Enduring Skills and Essential Learning Outcomes. These guide students in becoming more than just passive learners—they develop the ability to apply knowledge, think critically, and innovate. As learners, users, and producers of new knowledge, students are empowered to take ownership of their educational journey.
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FPS transitioned to a new mass communication system, BrightArrow. Unfortunately, since the launch, FPS has experienced some technical challenges that have been particularly frustrating during critical moments, including recent safety and security incidents. ream ore about the new system and how to ensure you receive important information from FPS.

As a parent, it can sometimes feel like you're trying to decode a secret language when it comes to understanding your child's school grades. FPS is committed to providing clear, accurate information on your child’s progress, highlighting both where they are excelling and where they may need more support. Our grading system is designed to focus on the skills your child can use in the real world, emphasizing their academic achievements independent of other factors.

Households may qualify for free or reduced-cost meals. FPS encourages all families to complete the Student Frees Assistance and Benefits application available online. Qualifying includes free waivers for some student activities, submitting college applications, and taking national standardized tests in addition to meal payment benefits.

The FPS Adult Learning Center is a regional hub for Adult Education and Family Literacy based out of the Agassiz with satellite sites supporting the southeastern portion of North Dakota.

The Evidence-Based Reporting gradebook is designed to give a more transparent, skills-based view of a student’s progress. Understanding the gradebook is essential for staying connected with your student’s learning and helping them succeed.

FPS is excited to introduce the Mental Health Series Platform from ParentGuidance.org, a powerful new resource designed to support family mental health and well-being. When caregivers have helpful tools, it benefits children, strengthens families, and contributes to a thriving community.

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is a federal law that provides important educational rights and services to Pre-K - grade 12 youth experiencing homelessness. More than 100 FPS students are homeless tis school year.

 

To foster greater engagement and align its efforts with District strategic objectives, the Teaching and Learning team is introducing a key initiative: the implementation of Leadership Rounding. 
 

FPS is committed to taking proactive steps to prevent suicide and support the mental health of our students. Suicide is preventable, and the our collective efforts can make a difference.
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Students may qualify for federal and state assistance to cover the cost of meals. Households may qualify based on income and size, participation in a federal assistance program (SNAP, etc.) and other criteria.

FPS sent a text message to all parents & staff from number 79041 asking you to opt-in to receive text message alerts from FPS and school. To continue receiving texts you MUST respond YES.

Read about revisions to Administrative Policy 6250 Student Restraint Policy to comply with federal requirements in this column by Director of Compliance Dr. Patricia Cummings.

As teachers prepare to finalize grades, read about the process of finalizing evidence-based grades in this column by Allie Kollman, Science Facilitator.

FPS wants to update its community, parents, and staff on a recent review process regarding educational materials, specifically the Baby Olivia video by Live Action. Read more about the decision and the process.

Each year, FPS administration conducts an Administrative Policy review. Administrative Policies are reviewed on a set rotation, ensuring all policies are reviewed once in a four-year cycle. Through this review process, some policies do not require any changes while other policies receive minor updates or more substantial updates. For the 2024 review cycle, administration has been reviewing this year’s set of policies during the school year.

FPS is committed to providing students with high-quality instructional materials that support its strategic plan, align with curriculum standards, and promote inclusivity and diversity. 

The U.S Dept. of Education released revisions Title IX the Education Amendments of 1972. Title IX protects people from discrimination based on sex in educational programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. 

Gifted Services offers intervention for students whose physical brain differences require more rigorous learning opportunities. 

FPS is dedicated to implementing equitable processes to ensure all students are supported so each student can demonstrate proficiency in identified Essential Learning Outcomes. 

March is National Social Workers Month! This March, we would like to recognize the social workers in Fargo Public Schools and the hard work they do to support our students. Thank you, social workers!

Fargo Public Schools has been selected to participate in a groundbreaking program offered through The Jed Foundation (JED) and The School Superintendents Association (AASA). The District Comprehensive Approach (DCA) is a transformational program that guides districts across the country to enhance systems of support for the emotional well-being of students. Based on JED’s proven approach, the DCA is an evidence-based framework that combines expert support, best practices, and data-driven guidance to protect mental health and prevent suicide for millions of students.

FPS conducted a Facilities Study, which is substantially complete and preliminary reports were presented to the School Board in September. The data collected through this process will be used to prioritize annual maintenance projects as well as inform the community as FPS works through the Long-Range Facility Planning process. Read more about the Long-Range Facilities Plan and the key takeaways from the Facilities Study in this Feature Column by FPS Director of Facilities James Hand.

FPS continues to emphasize the role the English Learner Program, with about 850 students, has in educating and empowering all students to succeed, regardless of their background or needs. This commitment reflects the program's core values of inclusivity and equity, ensuring that each student, including English learners, can thrive in FPS. Read about the English Learner Program and get an introduction to FPS' new EL Facilitator Jenna Polley in this Feature Column by FPS Director of Standards-Based Instruction Dr. Liann Hanson.

Fargo Public Schools is now hiring full-and part-time support staff positions including paraeducators, custodians, and food service workers. Learn more about these great opportunities to impact our community's youth and apply for a position today!

FPS has around 150 Administrative Policies in the categories of Business, Community, Instruction, Personnel, and Student Policies. The policies are reviewed on a set rotation, ensuring all policies are reviewed once in a four-year cycle. With the set rotation, administration reviews approximately a quarter of the administrative policies annually. Read more about which policies have been reviewed and updated in 2023 in this Cabinet Column by FPS Communications Officer AnnMarie Campbell.

The Fargo Board of Education Communications, Engagement and Advocacy (CEA) Committee is comprised of five Board members and members of the Superintendent’s cabinet who work to enhance the transparency of how the Board makes decisions. This committee also focuses on communication with constituents and community stakeholders through engagement and advocacy efforts. Read more about the efforts of the CEA Committee in this Board Column by CEA Chair Dr. Tracie Newman.

AD-Ventures is a district publication intended to help families find activities for their children throughout our community. It is published on the first of each month during the school year (September through May).

Finding a connection with loved ones can be the difference in getting them the help they need. Read about strategies for starting conversations with someone who may be suicidal from assistant director of educational justice Dr. Jennifer Sahr.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month: a moment in time in which Fargo Public Schools and the community can rally the public to create awareness of this leading cause of death and inspire more and more people to learn how they can play a role in their communities in helping to save lives. Read more about strategies for reducing suicide rates in this Feature Column by FPS Assistant Director of Educational Justice Dr. Jennifer Sahr.

The FPS 2024-25 Calendar Committee will reconvene to update the 2024-25 school calendar. This decision is a direct response to the the recent action taken by the Fargo Board of Education to require Fargo Public Schools to be closed on all federal holidays beginning June 1, 2024. Read more about the necessary adjustments to the 2024-25 school calendar in this Cabinet Column by FPS Associate Superintendent Dr. Robert Grosz.

Households may qualify for free or reduced-cost meals. FPS encourages all families to complete the Student Frees Assistance and Benefits application available online. Qualifying includes free waivers for some student activities, submitting collect applications, and taking national standardized tests in addition to meal payment benefits. Learn more about Student Fees Assistance and Benefits application and the FPS School Breakfast and Lunch Program in this Feature Column by FPS Nutrition Services Director Cindy Hogenson.

The Fargo/West Fargo Indian Education Program is now known as the Native American Education Program. The name change process spanned more than two years from May 2021 to its approval this June. Read about the renaming process in this Feature Column by Native American Education Program Coordinator Melody Staebner.

AD-Ventures is a district publication intended to help families find activities for their children throughout our community. It is published on the first of each month during the school year.

English Learner Family Nights are a bi-weekly parent and family engagements supported by FPS and ND Dept. of Health and Human Services. The purpose is to help build language through hands-on activities, guest speakers, and lessons, as well as to assist families in navigating opportunities and obstacles within their new community.

Fargo Public Schools has released the District’s 2024-25 school calendar. The calendar was developed by the District’s Calendar Committee, which was comprised of seventeen members including teachers, parents, principals, students, district office representatives, a Fargo Education Association teacher representative, a support staff member, and a School Board member. The calendar was presented to the Fargo Board of Education and approved at the March 28, 2023 School Board meeting.

The Board Planning Committee works with FPS administration to determine short-term and long-term facility needs and make appropriate recommendations to the Board for their consideration. As a growing district, we need to carefully plan for bringing new facilities online as the need arises and renovate/update those in our current inventory as they age. Read more about the plan for new buildings in the District in this Board Column by Fargo Board of Education member Jim Johnson.

Umoja means "unity". Read about what Umoja means for more than 200 Fargo Public Schools youth in this Feature Story by FPS Director of Equity and Inclusion Dr. Tamara Uselman and Umoja Developers Frederick Edwards and J'Neil Gibson.

There are 94 languages spoken in our schools, and the District is dedicated to supporting students in their home languages. To reflect the broad diversity of the world, specific cultures of the families we serve, and to support the home languages of families, the Elementary Language Library Project was created. The Elementary Language Libraries provide books to students to read in one of five languages.

March is Music in Our Schools Month! FPS has an incredibly strong music program. So strong that it has been named one of NAMM’s “Best Communities for Music Education” for 19 years. Read more about the music opportunities provided to FPS students and some of their honors and accomplishments in this Feature Column by FPS Performing Arts Facilitator Patrick Thiel.

Congratulations to South High School Vocal Music Teacher Sara Lichtblau on being named the 2023 FPS Teacher of the Year!

February is national Career and Technical Education Month. It is an annual campaign held across the United States to celebrate the accomplishments of Career and Technical Education programs, instructors, and students.

The 2023 Fargo Public Schools State of the Schools Address presented by Superintendent Dr. Rupak Gandhi is available to view digitally on demand on the FPS YouTube channel.

Join the Fargo Public Schools team and be the leader they need! Fargo Public Schools is now hiring paraeducators, food service staff, custodial staff, and more! Apply today!

The FPS Board of Education Governance Committee helps guide and support the School Board by ensuring it adheres to healthy and productive governance practices. Read more about this Committee in this Board Column by Board President Dr. Tracie Newman.

Career opportunities in education and human services are limitless and can start in high school. Whether a student is interested in following a path as a teacher, paraeducator, social worker, counselor, childcare provider, or coach, Fargo Public Schools is proud to provide opportunities to inspire students.

Fargo Public Schools has received many questions regarding how we will respond to inclement weather situations moving forward this school year. Read the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions in this Inclement Weather FAQ.

Fargo Public Schools is now on Instagram! Follow us on Instagram for announcements, updates, and good news from across the District!

Stay Strong! Avoiding school absences through the winter months is crucial for academic success. Missing school and falling behind on assignments can create school-related anxiety that only gets worse as time goes on. Connect with a teacher or counselor if you are feeling behind or overwhelmed.

During their September and October meetings, the Fargo Board of Education will review and approve governing documents that provide an outline for the future of our District. The documents include, but are not limited to, the Strategic Plan, the Long Range Facilities Plan, and the Long Range Financial Plan.

At FPS, our problem to solve is this: nearly 46% of our students missed too much school last year. Student absence harms everyone, particularly students. Read more about the importance of student attendance in this Feature Column by FPS Director of Equity and Inclusion Dr. Tamara Uselman and attendance specialists Gabe Whitney and Nick Hawkins.

More people than ever qualify for help paying for health coverage, even those who weren't eligible in the past. Family Health Care can help with medicaid or health insurance coverage options.

Fargo Public Schools seeks substitute teachers for the 2022-23 school year. FPS has updated its substitute pay structures for this school year. Click for additional information.

FPS has received reports from some families using Hotmail and GMail accounts that they may not be receiving school and district notification emails, although not every account is having an issue. The problem appears related to how Hotmail and GMail manage incoming email.

Effective for the 2022-23 school year, families will need to pay full price or apply to qualify for Free or Reduced-Price Meals. Applications for Free or Reduced-Price Meals are now open. Apply here.

Learn about the next steps of developing and implementing specially designed instruction in this Feature Column by FPS Assistant Director of Special Education Shelby DiFonzo.

Fargo Public Schools has released the District’s 2023-24 school calendar, which is now available on the FPS website. Read more about the process of creating and approving the calendar in this Cabinet Column by FPS Associate Superintendent Dr. Robert Grosz.

Fargo Public Schools has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from the NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education.

#FPSLearns is a regular video series on topics regarding Fargo Public Schools. Through short videos, FPS Superintendent Dr. Rupak Gandhi and other administrators share with the community about the science of reading.

Carl Ben Eielson Counselor Rachel Johnson joins hosts Cassie Larson, counselor at Eagles Elementary, and FPS Student Wellness and Family Facilitator Carly Gaddie on the new Hear for the Kids podcast. On the podcast, Johnson gives an overview of trauma and explains why it is important to look through a trauma lens.