As we prepare to close the doors of Fort Ransom Elementary School, the School Board would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the incredible staff who have poured their hearts into this school over the years. We will deeply miss our little school and the people who have made it such a special place. Thank you for everything you’ve done to shape young lives and to make Fort Ransom Elementary a cherished part of our community.
Sincerely, The Fort Ransom School Board
Fort Ransom Public School District #6
Public Letter to Families, Staff, and Community
Dated: May 15, 2025
Dear Families, Staff, and Supporters of Fort Ransom Public School District #6,
The Fort Ransom School Board's commitment to the students and families of Fort Ransom has never wavered. Every decision made by our Board has been rooted in what is best for our learners and for the future of our community. On Wednesday evening, May 14, the Board received and accepted the resignation of Leila Mark. This decision, combined with our declining enrollment, lack of available certified staff, and growing financial constraints, has left us with very limited options for the 2025–2026 school year.
As a result, the Board voted unanimously (5–0) to approve a new cooperative agreement with Lisbon Public Schools. Under this agreement, all Fort Ransom students in grades K–12 will be transported daily to Lisbon for instruction during the 2025–2026 school year. Transportation will be provided by the Fort Ransom School District. We remain proud of our nearly 60-year positive working relationship with Lisbon Public Schools, which began in 1967 and has provided a foundation of shared values, trust, and collaboration.
This was an exceedingly difficult decision for the Board. However, we are confident this plan offers our students the best possible continuity of education in a supportive and welcoming environment.
Additionally, the Fort Ransom School Board voted 5–0 to initiate a formal reorganization process with Lisbon. A Reorganization Committee has been formed with representation from both districts. Fort Ransom's appointees include Jon Ness (Board President), Lynelle Hanson (Business Manager), and myself, Dr. Steven Johnson, Superintendent. This committee will develop a reorganization plan to be considered by both school boards by July 2025. If approved, the plan will be submitted to the Ransom County Superintendent Designate and the County School Reorganization Board.
The Board will continue to provide oversight throughout this process and, as your elected representatives, welcomes your input and questions. Please feel free to reach out to any of the board members as we move forward.
We also want to take a moment to invite all families and community members to our Spring Program on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, held at the Fort Ransom Community Hall. There will be two performances: one at 2:00 PM and another at 7:00 PM.
📅 Important Upcoming Dates:
• May 20, 2025 – Spring Program (2:00 PM and 7:00 PM at the Community Hall)
• May 23, 2025 – Last Day of School (Early dismissal at 11:30 AM)
We are entering a period of transition, and we know it comes with emotion and uncertainty. On behalf of the Fort Ransom School Board and administration, thank you for your continued trust and support. These have not been easy decisions, but they have been made with the best interests of our students at heart.
Sincerely,
Dr. Steven L. Johnson
Superintendent, Fort Ransom Public School District #6
Email: steven.johnson@k12.nd.us
Phone: 701-678-3099
Fort Ransom School Spring Program
Fort Ransom Community Hall
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
2:00 PM and 7:00 PM
Everyone is welcome!
Fort Ransom Public School District #6 Tentative Plan for the 2025–2026 School Year
Public Announcement – May 8, 2025
The Fort Ransom Public School District #6 remains committed to supporting our families and students as we plan for the 2025–2026 school year. While the decision has not yet been formally approved by the Board, we feel it is important to share the following tentative plan, which reflects the current state of our district.
Key Updates for the 2025–2026 School Year:
✅ Daily Bus Service to Lisbon
Fort Ransom will continue to operate a daily bus route from Fort Ransom to Lisbon for all enrolled students in grades K–12. This transportation service will be provided free of charge to ensure continued access to quality education.
✅ Cooperative Agreement in Progress
On May 8, 2025, district leadership from Fort Ransom and Lisbon met to finalize a cooperative agreement for the 2025–2026 school year. This agreement will ensure that all Fort Ransom students will attend Lisbon Public Schools for their instructional needs.
✅ Board Leadership Will Continue
The Fort Ransom School Board will remain in place throughout the 2025–2026 school year. While district operations will look different, the Board will continue to provide oversight, represent our community, and lead future planning efforts.
Next Steps:
A formal cooperative agreement will be presented for approval at the Fort Ransom School Board meeting on May 14, 2025. Upon approval, further details regarding the single bus route, student enrollment procedures, and family support will be provided.
Lisbon Student Visit Day:
A designated day will be scheduled for Fort Ransom students to visit Lisbon Public Schools, where they will meet teachers and staff, tour the facilities, and connect with their peers ahead of the 2025–2026 school year.
Our Longstanding Partnership:
Fort Ransom and Lisbon Public Schools have worked collaboratively since 1967, sharing educational resources and supporting the success of all students. We are confident that this continued partnership will help ensure that our students receive the best possible education.
Thank You for Your Support:
We understand that this is a time of transition, and we sincerely appreciate the ongoing trust and support from our families and community. The wellbeing and success of our students remain our top priority.
For questions, please contact:
Dr. Steven L. Johnson
Superintendent, Fort Ransom Public School District #6
Email: steven.johnson@k12.nd.us
Phone: 701-678-3099
Fort Ransom School Board District #6 Special Meeting Notice: A Special Meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 7:00 PM. The agenda includes open discussion regarding the future of the Fort Ransom School District #6, Cooperative Agreement, Staffing and wages, Administrative Agreement and other related topics. Date: Wednesday, May 14, 2025, Time: 7:00 PM Location: Fort Ransom School Office, 135 Mill Road, Fort Ransom, ND 58033 The next regular meeting is scheduled for June 23, 2025.
Early dismissal on Wednesday, April 30th, at 1:30 PM - Fort Ransom School District
The April Community Connection is this week Wednesday, April 30th at 11:00 a.m. Any member of the Fort Ransom Community is welcome to join us as we prepare for spring with planting! NDSU Extension will be out to teach a lesson about plants, and they will provide some seeds to start a home garden. Guests are welcome to stay for a pulled pork on a bun lunch at a cost of $4.06 for adults. We'd appreciate a heads up if you plan on joining us so we can have a lunch count as well as enough seeds for everyone. We all love the community coming in to see our amazing little school.... please join us for our last Community Connection! Early school dismissal at 1:30 p.m.
Fort Ransom School Board District #6 Special Meeting Notice:
A Special Meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 7:00 PM. The agenda includes open discussion regarding the future of the Fort Ransom School District #6, Cooperative Agreement, Non-certified staffing and wages, Administrative Agreement and other related topics.
Date: Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Fort Ransom School Office, 135 Mill Road, Fort Ransom, ND 58033
The next regular meeting is scheduled for June 23, 2025.
Early dismissal on Wednesday, April 9th, at 1:30 PM - Fort Ransom School District
Notice of Candidate Filing Deadline
Notice is hereby given that the deadline for filing to have a candidate’s name printed on the ballot for the Fort Ransom School District #6 is April 7, 2025, by 4:00 pm. The following offices are up for election:
2- School Board Member (3-year term)
1- School Board Member (2-year term)
A candidate for a school district office must prepare and sign a document stating the candidate’s name and the position for which the individual is a candidate, and a SN 10172 Statement of Interests form. Both of these documents must be filed with the school district business manager for Fort Ransom School District #6 by the above deadline date and time. All forms are available from either the school district manager for the Fort Ransom School District or may be obtained on-line at
https://vip.sos.nd.gov/PortalListDetails.aspx?ptlhPKID=30&ptlPKID=3#content-start
You can also obtain the required documents from the Fort Ransom School District #6 website: www.fortransomsd.us under Documents/School Board Election Documents
Contact Lynelle Hanson, Fort Ransom School Business Manager at lynelle.hanson@k12.nd.us with any questions, or call 701-973-2591.
Early dismissal on Wednesday, March 26th, at 1:30 PM - Fort Ransom School District
Early dismissal on Thursday, March 29th, at 2:30 PM - Fort Ransom School District
Attn: Parents/Guardians of Fort Ransom School students
Please check your child's backpack today for a note concerning tickets to the El Zagal Shrine Circus in Fargo. It is time sensitive, and we need a response returned via the form, or a phone call from parents/guardians to the school office at 701-973-2591 by tomorrow morning (Friday, March 14, 2025) You may leave a message. Thank you!
Early dismissal on Wednesday, February 26th, at 1:30 PM - Fort Ransom School District
Fort Ransom School District Community Connections -Come and join us February 26th
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Date: Monday, March 10, 2025
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Standing Rock Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, 136 Mill Road, Fort Ransom, ND 58033
The Fort Ransom School Board will hold a public hearing on March 10, 2025 at 7:00 PM at the Standing Rock Lutheran Church fellowship hall. The purpose of this hearing is for the school board to gather public input regarding the future of the Fort Ransom School District.
All interested parties are invited to attend and provide their comments. Written comments may also be submitted to Business Manager, Fort Ransom School, 135 Mill Road, Fort Ransom, ND 58033 by March 8, 2025.
For more information, please contact the Business Manager at 701-973-2591.
Early dismissal on Wednesday, January 29th, at 1:30 PM - Fort Ransom School District
Fort Ransom School Board District #6 Special Meeting Notice
A Special Meeting will be held on Monday, January 27, 2025, at 7:00 PM via ZOOM. The agenda includes open discussion regarding the future of the Fort Ransom School District #6 as discussed the last two months through the Fort Ransom School Board Planning Committee.
Date: Monday, January 27, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Virtual Meeting via Zoom https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82948679736?pwd=Y07DpI8xg42LC5PCaajXx8CubS27AG.1
Meeting ID: 829 4867 9736
Passcode: 8HMs2R
The next regular School Board meeting will be held March 10, 2025, at the Fort Ransom School office at 7:00 PM.
Please be advised that the Fort Ransom School will be holding regular classes and times on the following days:
• January 8
• February 12
• March 12
Lisbon Schools, however, will be dismissing early on those days. On the 3 days listed above, the Fort Ransom School bus will be going to Lisbon to pick up students first, due to their early dismissal, and then return to Fort Ransom to pick up students from the Fort Ransom School at the regular 3:00 dismissal time.
The early-out dismissal days for the remaining school year are as follows:
• January 29 1:30
• February 26 1:30
• March 20 2:30
• March 26 1:30
• April 9 1:30
• April 30 1:30
Please mark your calendars and if you have any questions at all, please contact us. Thank you!
Fort Ransom School Staff
701-973-2591
Early Dismissal Wednesday, December 11th, at 1:30 PM - Fort Ransom School District