Moorhead Area Public Schools Community Newsletter

Community Newsletter • Fall 2026

The Who, What and Why's:

Permanent School Fund Amendment

This election, voters will decide on a Minnesota constitutional amendment designed to increase long-term funding for public schools without raising individual taxes. Learn how modernizing the Permanent School Fund will benefit our district and what you will see on your ballot.

Welcome Back, Spuds!

Frist Week Back Recap

Music classes got a rhythmic wake-up call. Horizon Middle School was chosen to host Flipside Percussion featuring Matt Silverberg (marimba), Steve Roehm (vibraphone), and Erik Schee (drums). These artists bring a wealth of experience from the worlds of jazz, rock, orchestral percussion and a student favorite, video game music.

The Numbers are In:

MAPS Reports Opening Enrollment for 2026-27

Moorhead Area Public Schools kicked off the 2026–27 school year with over 7,300 students and the grand opening of MHS’s new state-of-the-art fine arts facility. Click through to explore opening day enrollment trends and learn what’s ahead for this year’s Spotlight on Success.

A Historic Milestone:

Celebrating the Grand Opening of the MHS Performing Arts Center

On August 18, Moorhead Area Public Schools proudly marked the grand completion of our transformative, five-year Moorhead High School facility project!

Community members, staff, and students gathered for an exclusive first look at the state-of-the-art Theater and Performing Arts area. The celebration reached a crescendo that evening with "Find Your Light," a spectacular inaugural performance honoring 50 years of MHS musical theater history. This landmark showcase brought accomplished alumni across five decades back to the stage alongside live musicians, highlighted by a moving Black Box dedication honoring the legacy of Rebecca Meyer Larson.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and to our incredible community whose steadfast vision made this world-class environment a reality. Together, we are shaping a bright future where our students can truly thrive!

Steve Moore

Executive Director of Operations and Emergency Management

Steve Moore was featured in the Homeland Security and Emergency Management publication as one of the emergency Managers in Minnesota. Moore oversees the safety of approx. 7,400 students and 900 staff and has done a amazing job at keeping our schools secured. Read the full article here.

Ashley Schneider

Director of Food Services

Congratulations to Ashley Schneider as she was installed as President for the 2026-27 Minnesota School Nutrition Association for this school year. Ashley has been with MAPS for 5 years and we are thrilled to see her be awarded with this title!

Amy Braddock

Special Services Coach

Amy Braddock has been elected the 2027 President-Elect of the Council for Exceptional Children. Braddock will assume the presidency on January 1, 2028, overseeing CEC’s committees and Board of Directors and providing critical leadership. We are proud to to celebrate this achievement and the positive role Amy plays at MAPS.

Lights, Camera, Action:

The Spudcast is here!

Tune in to our Spudcast video series for an inside look at the inspiring stories, achievements, and events happening across our school district! Click below to watch the latest episode, and don't forget to like, subscribe, and share to stay connected!

Moorhead Superintendent Dr. Lunak joins "News and Views" as New School Year Starts

Go behind the scenes with Moorhead Schools Superintendent Dr. Brandon Lunak as he unpacks game-changing educational innovations, the Career Academy, and the critical Permanent School Fund amendment. Hear how these initiatives are shaping the future of education for the new school year.

Listen Now >>

Jim Childs and Chad Mattson will take over as the new broadcast team

Following the retirement of longtime voice Larry Knutson, Jim Childs and Chad Mattson are now the new broadcast team for Moorhead Spuds football. Both Spud alumni bring broadcasting and coaching backgrounds back home.

Watch Here >>