“What’s in a Name?” — Fargo’s New Elementary School Sparks Community Reflection and a Surprising Suggestion

FARGO, N.D. — A simple request from Fargo Public Schools for help naming its newest elementary school has turned into something far more meaningful — a city-wide reflection on memory, legacy, and what it means to honor a name.

On Friday, city officials, educators, and residents found themselves unexpectedly moved when Fargo City Commissioner Michelle Turnberg responded to the district’s public call for name suggestions.

Her idea was brief but resonant:

“I like the sound of Charlie Kirk Elementary. That would be some positive, national news for Fargo.”

Turnberg’s message carried extra weight. Just weeks earlier, she had attended Charlie Kirk’s funeral on September 21 — an event that drew significant community attention and emotion.

While her comment may have seemed simple, it underscored something deeper — the way names connect to memory, and how even one suggestion can turn an administrative task into a conversation about values, identity, and local pride.

A School at the Heart of Change

The new school, which will be built on the site of Horace Mann Elementary, is part of a district-wide effort to modernize and consolidate Fargo’s public school system. Scheduled to open in Fall 2028, the building will merge three existing student populations — Horace Mann, Roosevelt, and Madison Elementary Schools — into a single, state-of-the-art facility designed for the next generation of learners.

District planners say the combined school will serve as a cornerstone of Fargo’s educational future: an environmentally efficient building, equipped with collaborative learning spaces, technology-rich classrooms, and outdoor areas meant to foster both play and curiosity.

But before the first student ever steps into a new classroom, the district faces a decision that will shape the school’s identity for decades: what to call it.

The Naming Process: Tradition Meets Emotion

According to Fargo Public Schools, the process for naming the new school is deliberate and rooted in history. The district follows a longstanding policy of considering names that:

Have national or state significance.

Hold special meaning to the local community.

Honor individuals who have made a significant contribution to education or to the Fargo area.

The final decision rests with the Fargo Board of Education, which will review all community proposals in the coming weeks.

At its November 12 meeting, the Board plans to narrow submissions to a Top Five list. Two weeks later, on November 25, members will meet again to cast the deciding vote.

While the process itself is procedural, the meaning behind each name carries weight — often balancing nostalgia with progress, and honoring the past while envisioning the future.

The Power of a Name

In cities like Fargo, where growth and tradition meet at every corner, the naming of a public school has always been more than administrative formality. It’s a statement about what — and who — a community values.

Past decisions have produced schools named after historical figures, beloved educators, and landmarks unique to North Dakota’s culture and geography. From Discovery Middle School to Eagles Elementary, each name tells a story — of aspiration, of identity, of belonging.

“When you name a school,” says Dr. Laura Peterson, a professor of education at North Dakota State University, “you’re naming an idea. You’re saying, ‘This is the kind of learning environment we believe in, the kind of values we want to cultivate.’”

That’s why naming processes often draw wide public interest. For families, students, and teachers alike, the name becomes personal — a symbol of shared purpose. “It’s not just the name printed on a sign,” Peterson adds. “It’s what generations of children will say every morning when they walk through the doors.”

From Suggestion to Symbolism

Commissioner Turnberg’s mention of Charlie Kirk Elementary immediately drew attention — not because of controversy, but because it reflected something rare in civic discussions: heartfelt connection.

Turnberg, a longtime Fargo resident and public servant, later said her suggestion came from a place of reflection following Kirk’s passing. While not everyone knew Kirk personally, his life and work — particularly his influence in national discussions and public speaking — had left an impression on many, including those who admired his commitment to community causes and civic engagement.

“Sometimes,” Turnberg explained in a later interview, “a name is about remembering the spirit of contribution. It’s about recognizing people who challenged us, inspired us, or simply reminded us to stay involved.”

Her idea opened broader conversations throughout Fargo. Some residents began discussing whether the new school should honor a local educator, a historical figure, or a broader concept like Unity Elementary or Prairie View Elementary. Others suggested thematic names celebrating North Dakota’s heritage — such as Red River Elementary or Kindred Plains Academy.

In that sense, Turnberg’s comment accomplished something remarkable: it made the community pause, talk, and think.

What the School Represents

For educators in Fargo, the new elementary school represents much more than a new building. It’s a unifying project — physically merging three schools, yes, but also symbolically uniting three neighborhoods and their histories.

Principal David Larson, who currently leads one of the merging schools, said the process is both bittersweet and inspiring.

“Each of our schools has its own heart,” he said. “We have generations of families who’ve walked these halls. But we’re also excited about creating a shared future — something new that honors where we’ve been while preparing for where we’re going.”

Larson hopes the final name will capture that dual spirit — one of gratitude and renewal. “If we do this right,” he said, “students will feel connected not just to a building, but to a legacy.”

The Timeline Ahead

The Fargo Board of Education will accept proposals through early November, ensuring every voice — from parents to students to alumni — has a chance to participate. Submissions will be reviewed for eligibility and alignment with board policy.

At the November 12 meeting, members will vote to shortlist five finalists. The final selection is expected to take place on November 25, after a public hearing and open discussion.

Once chosen, the name will guide not only branding and signage but also school identity — from the mascot to the colors students will wear when representing their new institution.

A City in Conversation

Fargo has always been a city that values dialogue. Whether discussing new infrastructure, local policy, or education, civic participation remains a core part of its culture.

The school-naming process, though administrative in nature, has become another opportunity for connection — a reminder that even in a fast-changing world, small civic acts still carry meaning.

“We sometimes underestimate how symbolic these decisions are,” says Emily Watson, a member of a local parent-teacher association. “It’s not about politics. It’s about what kind of message we want to send to our kids. Are we naming a building, or are we naming a belief?”

Looking Forward

As Fargo moves closer to selecting its new name, one thing is certain: the community is deeply engaged.

From public officials to classroom teachers, from grandparents to kindergartners, the naming process has become a shared story — one about remembrance, unity, and aspiration. Whether the chosen name honors an individual, a place, or a principle, it will carry the hopes of a city that believes in its children and its future.

Commissioner Turnberg’s brief remark reminded Fargo of something simple yet profound: names matter because they reflect who we are — and who we strive to be.

In the end, the story of Fargo’s newest school may not just be about a name carved into stone above a doorway. It’s about the conversation it sparked — and the community it continues to build.