West Fargo Elementary School Closed Due to Staff Illness

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Freedom Elementary School in West Fargo, North Dakota will be closed on Tuesday due to a high number of staff members being out sick. Principal Kimmy Milligan cited the lack of available staff to safely operate the school as the reason for the closure, and also noted that a 'high number of students' are also out ill. The school will evaluate staffing levels and communicate plans for Wednesday by 3 p.m. on Tuesday.

Why it matters

School closures due to staffing shortages can be disruptive for families and impact student learning. This closure highlights the challenges schools face in maintaining adequate staffing levels, especially during periods of widespread illness.

The details

In a communication to parents, guardians and staff, Principal Kimmy Milligan stated that Freedom Elementary will be closed on Tuesday as the administration 'do not have sufficient staff available to provide a safe and appropriate learning environment' for students. Milligan also noted that a 'high number of students' are out ill, though student illness is not the direct reason for the closure.

• Freedom Elementary will be closed on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
• The school will evaluate staffing levels and communicate plans for Wednesday by 3 p.m. on Tuesday.

What’s next

The school will monitor staff availability and communicate with families by 3 p.m. on Tuesday about whether Freedom Elementary will reopen on Wednesday.