Minot Public Schools – TheMinotVoice.com

Parental Consent Survey Bill Fails in House but Could Return Monday

by: MinotVoice | March 22, 2025

A bill to tighten parental control over school surveys narrowly failed in the North Dakota House, but the debate isn’t over yet. Senate Bill 2105 would have required written parental consent before students could take surveys, especially those from outside organizations. Supporters cited concerns over intrusive questions; opponents warned it would block valuable data used

Read & Share sourced from: Bismarck Tribune

NC House panel advances bill restricting K-12 student cell phone use

by: Josh Wolsky | March 20, 2025

North Carolina lawmakers are weighing how far schools should go in limiting student cell phone use. A new bill moving through the state House would require school districts to set policies on phones during class but stops short of a full ban. Some advocates want stricter “bell-to-bell” restrictions, arguing phones disrupt learning and fuel cyberbullying.

Read & Share sourced from: NC Newsline

Will Parochial Schools Render Unto Caesar?

by: Jim Maxson | March 19, 2025

Times change. Our state legislature is presently considering government assistance to parochial schools. My education from first grade through law school was all in public schools, with the exception of grades six through eight, which were at a Catholic school in Thief River Falls, Minnesota. All of my educational experiences, whether public or private, were

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Lawmakers expand free school meals in North Dakota after rejecting larger proposal

By: Jeff Beach, North Dakota Monitor | February 27, 2025

A day after rejecting free school meals for all North Dakota K-12 students, House members on Tuesday slightly increased the number of students who qualify for free lunch. Within House Bill 1013, the budget bill for the Department of Public Instruction, students from families within 225% of the federal poverty line would be eligible for

Read & Share sourced from: North Dakota Monitor

New Data Collection Shines Light on Broader School Staff Shortages

by: MinotVoice | February 26, 2025

When schools struggle to find teachers, the problem is visible. But another staffing crisis is unfolding quietly—one that affects nearly every aspect of school life. North Dakota’s schools are facing a growing shortage of paraprofessionals, bus drivers, and other non-licensed staff, essential workers who support classrooms, supervise students, and keep schools running. New data reveals

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Free school meals bill fails in the North Dakota House

by: MinotVoice | February 25, 2025

North Dakota lawmakers have voted down a bill that would have provided free school meals to K-12 students, citing the $140 million price tag as too steep. House Bill 1475 failed in a 54-39 vote, despite support from advocates who argued it would ease financial strain on families, reduce meal debt, and improve student nutrition.

Read & Share sourced from: North Dakota Monitor

Public charter schools get strong support from North Dakota Senate

by: MinotVoice | February 21, 2025

North Dakota’s Senate has taken a significant step toward establishing public charter schools, passing Senate Bill 2241 with a decisive 40-7 vote. Sponsored by Sen. Michelle Axtman, the bill aims to create more educational options for families, despite concerns from traditional school advocates about potential resource drainage. Axtman emphasizes that charter schools are designed to

Read & Share sourced from: North Dakota Monitor

Student athlete eligibility changes likely even as bill fails on North Dakota House floor

by: MinotVoice | February 20, 2025

North Dakota lawmakers sent a clear message on high school sports transfers: Change is coming, but not through legislation—yet. A bill to lift the one-year waiting period for student-athletes switching schools failed, but pressure on the state’s activities association remains. With families voicing frustrations and lawmakers threatening future oversight, the association now faces a choice:

Read & Share sourced from: North Dakota Monitor

Minot Public Schools weighing options with land near Ramstad Middle School

by: MinotVoice | February 18, 2025

The Minot Public School District is weighing a significant decision regarding 70 acres of land near Erik Ramstad Middle School, which was originally gifted to them. Superintendent Scott Faul shared that discussions are ongoing, with an assessment of the land pending. While 23 acres are off the table, the district is considering selling the remaining

Read & Share sourced from: KMOT

Puck drops on West Region boys’ hockey postseason in Minot (Tournament Preview)

by: MinotVoice | February 17, 2025

The West Region Boys’ Hockey Tournament kicks off on February 17 in Minot, with teams eager to carve their path to the championship. Williston faces Hazen-Beulah, while Bismarck High takes on Dickinson in the play-in games. The competition is fierce this year, especially with the likes of top-seed Minot High, which boasts a strong record

Read & Share sourced from: Staff

School Choice Debate Heats Up as Lawmakers Split on Education Savings Accounts

by: MinotVoice | February 15, 2025

North Dakota lawmakers took a step toward school choice but stopped short of a sweeping change. House Bill 1540, which narrowly passed, would create education savings accounts but at a reduced funding level, easing in over time. Meanwhile, three similar bills failed, and one final proposal, Senate Bill 2400, still awaits a vote. Supporters see

Read & Share sourced from: Bismarck Tribune

Teaching for Life Beyond the Classroom

by: Josh Wolsky | February 15, 2025

Education isn’t just about math and reading—it’s about preparing kids for life. Schools often claim to support the “whole child,” but too often, that stops at test scores. True wellness means addressing students’ emotional, financial, physical, and social needs alongside academics. Some students, like Rob, thrive with clear goals, while others, like Nas, need more

Read & Share sourced from: EdSurge

Minot Public Schools Agenda | February 13, 2025

by: MinotVoice | February 13, 2025

The School Board of Minot Public School District No. 1 will hold its Regular Board Meeting Thursday, February 13, 2024, at 5:30PM at the Minot Public Schools Administration Building (Board Room). Live Stream is available on the Minot Public School Board YouTube Channel. Board Packet Information can be viewed at: https://bit.ly/MPSBP24 Minot Public School’s Youtube

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Free school meals bill advances in North Dakota legislative committee

by: MinotVoice | February 11, 2025

North Dakota lawmakers are weighing how to fund free school meals, but the debate isn’t about whether to provide them—it’s about where the money should come from. A legislative committee backed using $140 million from the state’s general fund rather than tapping the Legacy Fund, North Dakota’s oil-fueled investment account. Supporters say it’s time for

Read & Share sourced from: North Dakota Monitor

Minot School District continuing search for more substitute teachers

by: MinotVoice | February 11, 2025

The Minot Public School District is facing a common but pressing challenge: a shortage of substitute teachers, particularly in elementary schools and at Minot Air Force Base. While there are nearly 200 substitutes available, many only cover high school classes, leaving younger students vulnerable when teachers are absent. Sarah Putt, a human resources assistant, highlights

Read & Share sourced from: KX News

Bathroom bill passed by North Dakota House allows schools to be fined for noncompliance

by: MinotVoice | February 8, 2025

North Dakota lawmakers are doubling down on school bathroom policies. The House voted 73-18 to ban all-gender bathrooms in K-12 public schools, even single-occupancy ones, and put enforcement in the hands of the Attorney General’s Office. Schools that don’t comply could face fines of up to $2,500 per violation. Supporters say the bill strengthens an

Read & Share sourced from: North Dakota Monitor