Sloulin Elementary School: A New Chapter for Education in Williston, ND

JLG Architects

The name has been approved, the school colors have been picked out, and the mascot has been chosen. All that remains is to finish constructing and equipping the $52 million building in Williston.

A New Elementary School Arrives in Williston, ND

Sloulin Elementary School will open in August 2026 as the newest addition to Williston Basin School District #7. Sloulin Elementary will accommodate grades Pre-K-5, with an enrollment capacity of up to 600 students.

The name honors Sloulin Field International Airport, which permanently closed in 2019 when Williston Basin International Airport opened 10 miles to the northwest. Sloulin Field was named for Williston brothers Kermit and Wesley Sloulin, who were both killed during World War II. The elementary school sits on the former airport site.

The school is part of the mixed-use Williston Square development that will also include housing and businesses, says Dr. Jason Germundson, superintendent of Williston Basin School District #7.

“Many young couples with families are moving to Williston these days, so more schools are needed for their kids,” he says.

State-of-the-Art Facilities and New Leadership

Voters agree with the need for more schools, as evidenced by the passage of a $35 million bond in April 2024 to help pay for Sloulin Elementary. The remaining $17 million is paid from district building funds.

“The school colors are black and gold, and the mascot and sports teams are named the Aviators,” Germundson says. “Sloulin Elementary will include a special education suite, gymnasiums, a STEAM lab, a media center, music rooms, a kitchen/cafeteria, and much more.”

The school’s principal is Susan Prady, a California native with much experience in education. Prady’s daughter and son-in-law moved from California to Williston 13 years ago because of the oil business.

“The couple had kids, and Susan has wanted to move to Williston to be near her grandchildren,” Germundson says. “She interviewed for the Sloulin Elementary principal’s position and is perfect for the job. We’re lucky to have Susan in our district.”