As the chatter of parents on sidewalks rose and hundreds of sneakers hit new pavement, this morning wasn’t just the start of a new school year; it was a testament to what a community can achieve when it refuses to give up on its shared vision.
During the ribbon cutting the week before, Superintendent Dr. Jason Germundson reflected that “this building, this whole idea, was really a dream. Every day, we’ve added people into this dream, but the dream is only complete when that first little kid walks in.” That “final piece” arrived with the ringing of the first bell, transforming 80,000 square feet of glass, concrete, and steel into a living, breathing community hub built on a foundation of teamwork.
Sloulin Elementary is a testament to a community that chose to invest in its youth. It stands as the first referendum supported elementary school built within the last 50 years, marking a new era of a district looking toward the future.
The Long Run, A Journey Driven by Shared Purpose
For years, the story of Williston schools was often told through the lens of rapid growth and infrastructure strain. However, the true story of this era is the incredible resilience of the people. Teachers and staff didn’t just adapt; they innovated, ensuring that the quality of education never wavered even when the physical spaces were at capacity.
The path to this new facility is a great example of community-led evolution. When early ideas didn’t move forward, the district didn’t retreat; they pivoted with purpose, listening to the community’s voice. By finding creative ways to maximize existing assets, like the Hagan indoor pool conversion into a 300 student learning center, the district demonstrated a level of transparency and fiscal responsibility that turned skeptics into partners.
Throughout this journey, the focus remained on building trust. By the time the 2024 bond was put to a vote, the community saw a district that had exhausted every creative option. The “yes” vote that followed was a collective declaration that Williston’s future was worth every ounce of effort.
A Collaborative Dream Realized
Sloulin Elementary was designed with educators from across the district to ensure that the building would support the needs for the next generation of teaching and learning.
This facility incorporates concepts that staff have been piloting for years. The building is organized into three distinct learning neighborhoods specifically designed for collaboration among students and staff. Integrated pull-out spaces within the neighborhoods for small-group intervention and specialized support, ensure students can access tailored instruction without having to travel far from their “home” classrooms.
The interior environment was intentionally designed to enhance the daily educational experience through abundant natural light within the building that provides cognitive and wellness benefits for both teachers and learners. Inside classrooms, flexible furniture empowers educators to reconfigure spaces on the fly to suit diverse teaching modalities. This facility showcases the innovation that occurs when teachers design their own workspaces.
Roots and Wings
For students, Sloulin Elementary is designed to support a full spectrum of needs, balancing student curiosity and exploration with the need for refuge and quiet.
To make this facility feel like home, the design team utilized Environmental Graphic Design to turn the school into a storytelling journey that connects students to local history. The graphics found throughout the building are not just decorative; they are teaching tools. The history wall located at the main entrance introduces students to the legacy of the school’s namesakes, Kermit and Wesley Sloulin. By detailing the lives of these local WWII heroes, the wall connects the school to their location on the former Sloulin Field International Airport.
Transition spaces throughout the building feature graphics of native species like meadowlarks and bison, serving as additional teaching tools to familiarize students with the natural world of western North Dakota. Alongside these nature-themed elements, the design integrates motivational signage to reinforce the school’s “Aviator” identity. Specific phrases, such as “Aviators, we FLY high, we FLY proud!” and “We soar boldly and learn bravely,” are placed in high-visibility areas.
While these dynamic environments inspire high-energy engagement and school spirit, the building’s design equally prioritizes the quieter side of the student experience.
Beyond high-energy zones, the design also prioritizes the need for refuge. In the media center, integrated reading nooks provide a sense of enclosure and safety for young readers. Beneath the main stairs, is a secluded nook allows for independent or small group work. These small-scale “pockets” within the larger facility offer a comforting retreat where a student can disappear into a book, feeling secure and supported by the architecture. This balance of play and peace ensures that every student, regardless of their learning style or sensory needs, feels a true sense of belonging.
A Blueprint for the Future
For the Aviators walking the halls today, the school is more than just a place to learn math and reading. It is a building that tells them their history matters, their educators are valued, and their future is limited only by the height of their own dreams.
As Mayor Cory Swint, former Board President, remarked during the ribbon cutting, “This is the culmination of sleepless nights for a lot of people….Today we experience exactly what happens when a community rallies around its youth.” Sloulin Elementary stands as a physical manifestation of that collective rally.
The success of this project has provided a blueprint for future growth. It proved that when a district leads with transparency and a students-first mentality, the community responds with overwhelming support. The teamwork displayed by the school board, the city leadership, the educators, and the taxpayers has created a new standard for education in Williston. The collaborative energy surrounding Sloulin Elementary School created a catalyst for the next chapter of the city’s development.
