Moorhead Area Public Schools announces that the demolition phase for Moorhead High School begins this week, marking a significant milestone in the district's ongoing commitment to educational excellence and community growth.
Constructed in 1967, the Moorhead High School building has been a cornerstone of the community for 56 years. From its groundbreaking in 1966 through several expansions and renovations, the high school has served generations of students, educators and families.
The demolition of the original building is taking place during the district’s 150th anniversary year and comes as part of the district's visionary plan for the future. In 2019, the Moorhead community rallied behind a bond referendum aimed at building a new high school on the existing site, reflecting the community's dedication to providing top-tier educational facilities for its students. The plan included converting an existing retail building into a career academy which opened in 2021. The construction of Phase One of the new high school building also began in 2021.
Phase One of the multi-year construction project culminated in January 2024 when Moorhead High School welcomed students into innovative academic wings, a collaborative student commons and state-of-the-art athletic spaces. The opening of Phase One sets the stage for Phase Two, which includes the construction of a 1,000-seat theater; science and fine arts classrooms; and administrative spaces.
The demolition process, scheduled to commence on Tuesday, March 12, marks the beginning of a new chapter in Moorhead High School's history. While the original building will make way for new facilities, the legacy of Moorhead High School will endure through memories shared by generations of alumni and the values instilled in its students.
As a gesture to honor the rich history of Moorhead High School, a limited number of bricks from the historic building will be made available to the community through the Moorhead Legacy Education Foundation. Click here for commemorative brick purchase information.
Moorhead Area Public Schools expresses gratitude to the community for its unwavering support throughout this transformative journey. Superintendent Dr. Brandon Lunak said, “Together, we look forward to shaping the future of education in Moorhead and empowering generations of students to thrive in an ever-changing world.”