A new elementary school in Fargo, North Dakota, is poised to bear a name steeped in recent history and controversy. From a flood of 437 public suggestions, “Charlie Kirk Elementary” has emerged as one of 29 finalists considered by Fargo Public Schools.
The selection process began with an open call for names, seeking to honor local heroes, historical figures, and cultural icons. The sheer volume of submissions underscores the community’s desire to imprint its values onto this new educational landmark, set to open in the fall of 2028.
The nomination of Charlie Kirk Elementary came from Fargo City Commissioner Michelle Turnberg, a direct response to the tragic assassination of Kirk during a speaking engagement in Utah this past September. His untimely death has ignited a passionate debate about his legacy and influence.
The school itself represents a significant upgrade for the community, replacing the aging Horace Mann Elementary with a state-of-the-art facility. It’s a promise of a modern learning environment for generations of Fargo’s children.
School board members will initially rank the 29 finalists on November 12th, narrowing the field to the top five. A final vote will then determine the school’s name on November 25th, a decision that will resonate throughout the city.
The list of contenders is diverse, ranging from geographically inspired names like Bison Meadows Elementary and Prairie Rose Elementary, to tributes honoring figures like Fred Rogers and Martin Luther King Jr. Other names include Giiwendinoog, Métis Elementary, and Unity Elementary.
Numerous other locally relevant suggestions, including Jake Wallin, Zach Robinson, and Savanna Greywind, received multiple submissions but did not make the final cut. This highlights the difficult choices faced by the school board in selecting a name that truly represents the community.
Fargo’s consideration of Charlie Kirk’s name isn’t an isolated event. His memory is being actively preserved in other parts of the country, reflecting the breadth of his impact and the strong emotions he evokes.
In Clermont, Florida, a section of Schofield Road in Lake County has been officially designated the Charlie Kirk Memorial Highway. This tangible tribute serves as a constant reminder of his life and work.
Furthermore, Florida lawmakers are currently debating a bill that would mandate all 40 of the state’s public colleges and universities to rename a campus road in Kirk’s honor, or risk losing state funding. This proposal underscores the intensity of the effort to solidify his legacy within the state’s educational institutions.
