VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The Valley City Public School Board approved bids for Phase One of the School Facility Project 2028 during the school board meeting on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. The project received more than 200 bids for Phase One, far exceeding expectations from the project designer, ICON Architectural Group and construction managers, Construction Engineers.
The School Facility Project 2028 will be completed in at least two phases over the next several years. Phase One includes construction of a new grade 3–12 school and district offices, which will connect to Jefferson Elementary School. This phase also includes safety and security improvements at Jefferson Elementary by relocating the main office next to the primary entrance. Construction is expected to be completed by summer 2028.
Phase Two will begin after the transition to the new school for the 2028–2029 school year. This phase includes the demolition of the current junior and senior high school building and the development of a new parking lot designed to better support events and activities at the Hi-Liner Activity Center.
The project follows a community-approved referendum held on June 10, 2025, when 62.73% of voters supported a $46 million plan to build a new grade 3–12 school. The new facility will bring PreK–12 students together on one connected campus, expand educational opportunities, strengthen school spirit, and improve efficiency across the district. As part of the district’s long-term plan, several buildings will be sold in the coming years, including the current district office and Washington Elementary School.
“We are excited to see construction begin on Phase One of the School Facility Project 2028,” said Josh Johnson, Superintendent of VCPS. “This project reflects the dedication and collaboration of many individuals in our school district and community over the past four years. We are grateful for the trust and support from our community as we build a new school that will provide updated learning spaces and better serve our students for many generations.”
“Our current high school, built in 1919, has served our community well,” said Sherri Horsager, VCPS Board President. “However, meeting modern educational needs—including ADA accessibility and updated safety and security standards—made it clear that a new school was necessary for the school district. As a VCHS graduate, I am excited for our students and our community as we move forward with a school that brings all Hi-Liner students together.”
Ryan Mathias has been on the school board for 12 years, he said with the approval of this project, it’s a historic milestone for the school district and the community.
A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, May 13 at 1:00 PM on the north end of Hanna Field, near the future site of the new school. Students, staff, and community members will be invited to attend this special event celebrating the future of VCPS and the continued growth of the Valley City community.
Additional details about the project, including construction timelines and site plans, will be shared as they become available.
New School Project Approved
