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Fargo School District leaders are exploring new options such as requiring students to complete community service or rewarding students in advanced classes with an honors diploma.

But first, they’re gathering input in the next month from about 250 principals, parents, teachers, community members and students.

“This is probably one of the most important exercises we do,” School Board President Dan Fremling told principals Thursday. “This could be the direction we take for the next five years.”

Thursday was the first of five meetings to gather input about the district’s strategic plan, which is periodically reviewed since being developed in 2000.

The plan lists seven goals for students, ranging from academics to communication skills to character.

“We see value in the strategic plan,” said Horace Mann Roosevelt Elementary School Principal Kim Colwell. “(But) some of the key indicators are hard to assess.”

Officials are also looking at whether goals such as community service should be a graduation requirement. While some principals said they’d support the concept, others questioned how it would be measured.

Some principals weren’t keen on the idea of offering differentiated diplomas such as an honors diploma for students in advanced classes.

“We certainly want to promote challenging themselves,” said Discovery Middle School Principal Linda Davis. “But is there a better way to do it? Some are in favor of weighted grades.”

District leaders will meet next with parents on Nov. 18.

In January or February, the School Board will discuss if and what changes should be made.

“We’re really just looking for some input that will fuel our discussions in the coming months,” said board member Don Faulkner. “Are we heading in the right direction … to make sure we’re doing the best for our students?”

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Readers can reach Forum reporter Kelly Smith at (701) 241-5515