Williston Basin 7 to Move Eight Modular Classrooms to High School, Then Sell Round Prairie Site

Dr. Jurmerson, an agency official for WILLISTON BASIN 7, announced that the district will move eight modular classrooms from the Round Prairie site to the high school and then put the Round Prairie property up for sale. "What we would like to do is Round Prairie, we'd like to sell that property," he said, describing the move as a cost-effective alternative to a multi‑million dollar addition.

Mrs. Larson, principal at WHS, told the district she needs more classroom space as enrollment grows. "For the fall, we are over 1,400," she said, citing recent graduating and incoming class sizes and explaining that the eight modulars will provide eight additional classrooms. At an estimate of about 25 students per classroom, the added space could serve roughly 200 students across the day and ease current scheduling pressures.

Officials said the modulars were purchased by the prior district and are district assets now owned by District 7; a state statute requiring a five-year waiting period after the 2021 district merger has just elapsed, allowing the district to sell property and assets that formerly belonged to Districts 1 and 8. Dr. Jurmerson noted those legal and ownership conditions as enabling the sale.

The district is preparing the units for transport and installation; crews are staging the move immediately, and residents may see modulars arriving and parked at the high school. District staff listed remaining work before classrooms can open, including electricity hookups, desks, and technology installation. Mrs. Larson said the modulars are expected to be fully operational in semester 2, January 2027, if logistics proceed as planned.

Officials framed the move as a pragmatic response to growth and budget reality: Dr. Jurmerson contrasted the modular plan with a potential $20,000,000 addition to the high school, saying the move is a more economical way to add core-classroom capacity while allowing the district to sell the Round Prairie site and apply proceeds to the general fund and deferred maintenance.

The district asked community members to watch its Facebook page for photos of the modulars' arrival and said Mrs. Larson will help direct traffic during deliveries tomorrow. For questions, Dr. Jurmerson invited the public to reach out to district staff.

The district did not announce a sales timeline or expected proceeds for the Round Prairie property; acreage was described as "about 13 acres," and the sale process and price were not specified.