Moorhead School Board Approves New Vocational-Technical School Site

On March 15, 1966, the Moorhead School Board unanimously approved a 40-acre site for a new vocational-technical school, located north of Interstate 94 and 20th Street South. The decision followed a thorough discussion of a report presented by board member Ray Ehly, leading to a roll call vote that confirmed the site selection without dissent.

The board’s second motion directed Superintendent Justin Swenson to negotiate the purchase of the site, which is being offered by property owners led by Yngve Swenson. The land is available for $2,500 per acre, with a maximum of 30 acres for sale. Officials from the Minnesota State Department of Education have advised the board to acquire at least 30 acres, emphasizing the importance of selecting a larger area to accommodate anticipated growth in vocational training programs.

Located adjacent to Clay County Road 77, which serves as a service road along the interstate, the selected site offers favorable conditions for the construction of the new facility. Ehly noted that the site received eight out of nine first-place votes in the final committee balloting, reflecting strong community support among the advisory committee members.

Prior to the vote, Ehly discussed objections raised regarding alternative sites, including one on 15th Avenue N. and another in Moorhead’s Industrial Park. He pointed out that the North Side site was surrounded by residential development and lacked sufficient space for future expansion. In contrast, the site near I-94 provides ample area for both the school and potential developments nearby.

Concerns regarding noise and equipment storage were addressed by Oscar Bergos, the technical school director, who assured board members that outdoor classes and equipment storage would be situated at the rear of the building, facing the Great Northern Railroad tracks and industrial areas. Bergos also suggested that heavy equipment courses are unlikely to be offered in Moorhead, given availability at the Staples, Minnesota Vocational Technical School.

The advisory committee had previously evaluated 14 potential sites before narrowing down their recommendations. The site adjacent to the new Probstfield Elementary School was among the finalists, but discussions indicated there would be sufficient distance—approximately six blocks—between the two educational institutions.

As the Moorhead School Board moves forward with negotiations, the approval marks a significant step towards enhancing vocational education opportunities in the region. The new school is expected to serve as a vital resource for post-high school training, helping to prepare students for a range of careers in an evolving job market.