Key Takeaways
- Fargo Public Schools will have reduced summer school offerings in 2026 due to budget constraints and the transition to a new student information system.
- The district is trimming its budget by approximately 2% after projected multi-million dollar deficits for the second straight year.
- The transition to Infinite Campus, a new student information system, will affect summer school programming, particularly in July.
- Summer school for multi-lingual learners has been cut due to federal funding reductions.
- Special education services for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) will continue to be offered in June.
Introduction to Summer School Changes
Fargo Public Schools will have fewer summer school offerings in 2026 due to budget constraints and the transition to a new student information system. The district is currently working to trim its budget by approximately 2% after projected multi-million dollar deficits for the second straight year. Superintendent Cory Steiner explained that while finances played a role in the decision, it was only about 30% of the conversation. The district is also transitioning from PowerSchool to Infinite Campus, a new student information system that will house all data related to students, including contact information, class schedules, and grades.
The Impact of the New Student Information System
The transition to Infinite Campus will have a significant impact on summer school programming, particularly in July. The district will not have full access to the new system until later in July, making it difficult to manage summer school programs. Steiner stated that trying to figure out the new system while running summer school programs would be impossible. As a result, the district has decided to reduce summer school offerings, including the elimination of summer school for multi-lingual learners due to cuts in federal funding.
Summer School Programs That Will Continue
Despite the reductions, some summer school programs will continue to be offered. The extended school year program, which provides special education services for students with IEPs, will continue to be offered in June. This program is required by federal law to ensure that students do not regress over the summer. Additionally, sports and music camps will still be offered by coaches and instructors. The district is also exploring alternative approaches to summer school programming for high school students, including expanding course completion and credit recovery options.
The Effect on Middle School Students
Middle school students will be affected by the reductions in summer school programming. The Transitions Summer School program for elementary and middle school students will not be held in 2026, and regular summer school programming or elective offerings for middle school students will not be offered due to consistently low participation. The district will review the middle school summer school model to determine whether a different approach may better meet student needs in the future. By not offering Transitions summer school, the district will save between $175,000 to $200,000.
Looking to the Future
The district is taking a closer look at its summer school programming to determine how to better meet the needs of students and families. Steiner stated that the transition to Infinite Campus provides an opportunity to redesign elementary and middle school summer school programming. The district will begin putting out information for families about the summer school changes in the new year. By offering alternative approaches to summer school programming, the district hopes to generate revenue and better support students. Overall, the changes to summer school programming in Fargo Public Schools are aimed at reducing costs, improving efficiency, and providing more effective support for students.
