About Us
The Grand Forks and Grand Forks Air Force Base Public School Districts work together in a unique arrangement to serve approximately 7,400 students who attend schools in the two communities. Approximately 1,600 people are employed, including over 750 teachers and over 850 support and administrative staff. Two grades 9-12 high schools, one alternative high school, three grades 6-8 middle schools, 10 elementary schools, one combined elementary and middle school, and one Head Start Program comprise the arrangement of the schools.
The schools of the two districts expect and receive a strong performance from the students. This is possible because of a rich curriculum design led by highly qualified teachers. Family and community support is strong and instrumental in the success of the schools. Emphasis is given to lower class size, curriculum, staff qualifications, and student achievement. The result is 96%+ average daily attendance, well-behaved students, safe AND comfortable schools, and academic results that exceed those of the state and nation.
A Note from the Superintendent
Welcome to the Grand Forks and Grand Forks Air Force Base School Districts! I am most humbled and grateful to serve as the 19th superintendent in communities that support public education and academic, co-curricular, and extra-curricular activities. There simply is no better place to live, work, and play than our university city has a lot to offer.
If you are new to Grand Forks, we welcome you. If you are a returning family, thank you for allowing us to be a part of your life’s experience in this beautiful city. As a parent and community member, I couldn’t be more thrilled with year-round activities and offerings for K-12-aged students; experiences that are either school district driven or sponsored by the Grand Forks Park District or through various other community-led organizations. Truly, there is something for everyone!
Last year was unlike no other in the history of public education. With the COVID-19 pandemic upon us, we offered families the choice between a Pre-K-8th grade daily face-to-face instructional model at the school level, a 9th-12th grade hybrid model (students rotating every other day at the school level), and a daily remote learning educational model. In all venues, instruction was staffed by high-quality teachers who truly care about the academic and social-emotional development of students. While we knew the experience was not perfect for every learner, teacher, and parent/guardian, it was our goal to focus on priority content standards applicable for students to master prior to subsequent school years.
Two years ago, our school district completed a rewrite of the original Strategic Plan that has been in place for several years. We also commissioned a community-based Facilities Task Force that worked between March-December 2020. The Facilities Task Force made recommendations to the School Board in early December 2020. We are looking forward to continuing to move forward, providing the best possible education for all of our students in learning spaces that address equity and safety.
As we position ourselves to be a lighthouse school district in the upper Midwest through the work of our incredibly talented team of educators and support staff across 18 campuses, I welcome your input, feedback, and perspective as our partner in this journey.
Professionally Yours,
Terry Brenner, Ed. D.