McKenzie County Public School District No. 1 Dismisses for Summer
Steve Hallstrom
Special to The Farmer
The last day of school is typically short on learning and long on celebrating. And so it was, as The Farmer paid a visit to Dr. Steve Holen’s office at McKenzie County School District #1 offices. These days are always unique, as you visit with staff who are filled with equal parts pride in a job well done, relief for a well-earned finish line, and excitement for a summer to recharge.
On this day, Holen paused to reflect on a year that tested the district in ways large and small - and left him believing the community’s schools are trending in the right direction.
The year began with heartbreak. In September, the district lost 7th grade math teacher Hannah Kocher, 25, who died in a two-vehicle collision south of Watford City when a semi-truck ran a stop sign and struck the car she was riding in. The loss cast a long shadow over the school year.
“It was a challenging year. We lost a teacher this year - a tragic accident. But overall, I think we just continue to evolve. We’re always trying something new, always striving to do better, and you know, our product changes - the kids are always changing.”
The district closed the year approaching 2,400 students, with fall enrollment at 2,371 before settling around 2,320 after mid-year departures. Demographic projections from advisory firm RSP and Associates point to enrollment of 2,477 students in the coming year.
For the full story, visit www.watfordcitynd.com and subscribe to the McKenzie County Farmer today!