New Valley MS Opens in Grand Forks, ND
More than 500 students in Grand Forks are now learning in a state-of-the-art facility designed to serve them for decades to come. The new Valley Middle School officially opened in the winter of 2025, marking the culmination of years of community engagement, planning, and collaboration.
The journey began in June 2021, when a proposed referendum for a new K–8 building was not approved by voters. Community feedback made it clear that residents wanted to preserve neighborhood elementary schools and better understand the district’s long-term facility needs.
In response, Grand Forks Public Schools partnered with ICON to conduct a comprehensive facility assessment and lead long-range planning efforts. The assessment identified Valley Middle School as the district’s highest priority due to its aging infrastructure, challenging grade configuration, limited accessibility, and outdated building systems.
To ensure transparency and informed decision-making, the district engaged the community through third-party surveys, public meetings, and social media outreach. In 2022, the Donovan Group partnered with the district to conduct a community survey that showed 64% of respondents would support building a new Valley Middle School rather than renovating the existing facility. In North Dakota, school bond referendums require a 60% +1 supermajority to pass, making reliable community data critical to the School Board’s decision.
In May 2023, voters approved a $79 million referendum with 64% support. The measure included $55 million for the construction of the new Valley Middle School and $18 million for safety and security upgrades across several district schools.
Groundbreaking took place in spring 2024 on a site west of the existing school in north Grand Forks. Construction progressed on schedule, leading to a winter 2025 opening.
The new facility replaces a building that struggled with an aging HVAC system, limited electrical capacity, undersized common spaces, and ongoing plumbing challenges. Today, students are learning in modern classrooms designed for flexibility, accessibility, and collaboration. At the same time, students districtwide are benefiting from enhanced safety and security improvements funded through the referendum.
This project reflects what’s possible when a community comes together around a shared vision for its students.
For additional photos and renderings, visit the project partners: