School board member Mike Gessner outlined the need for both a second high school and a third middle school. Constructing a new high school on property obtained from Cognizant in northwest Minot would make Central Campus downtown available for a middle school.

Gessner noted the advantages of having two 9-12 grade high schools in terms of forming relationships between staff and students and in better tracking student progress. Some remodeling would be necessary at Magic City Campus to accommodate classes for freshmen and sophomore students at that location, and some work would be necessary at Central Campus to accommodate a middle school, he said.

Gessner explained the district will need not just a new high school but also athletic facilities, such as another football field. He indicated the school may need to work with the park district regarding a pool facility.

“There are some things that we sure could do together. But we do need your help,” Gessner said.

Jill Schramm/MDN Minot Public School Board member Mike Gessner, right, and some of the other members of the government liaison committee meet to discuss common concerns Wednesday.

“We’re going to need to have a collaborative effort when the school board asks for bonding,” school board member Miranda Schuler told representatives of Ward County, the City of Minot and Minot Park District. “We’re going to need great support from you to get that passed through the community when it comes out.”

When bonding might appear on the ballot depends on when architectural plans can be completed. Gessner said he would like to see a special election this fall, but there are a variety of factors that will influence whether that can happen.

The future of the former Ramstad school land also was mentioned. Gessner said it will be added to the school board’s next meeting agenda in February.

The liaison committee discussed pending legislation affecting political subdivisions and the city’s COVID-19 status.

Although the City of Minot will its mask mandate Friday, the school continues to require masks. Gessner said the mask requirement has worked well, but the school board could decide to re-examine the requirement in February. The return of the park district’s youth programs to the local schools also is a matter the board has not yet addressed.