MINOT, ND (KMOT) – The Minot Public School District is making history this year.
Minot North High School is ready to open its doors to students.
It is part of a district expansion that has been in the works for years.
In less than 24 hours, classes will begin at the new Minot North High School. Teachers and staff are preparing the building for students.
It took a long time for the city’s newest high school to open.
Staff, teachers and students rave about the endless possibilities the new campus offers.
The Sentinels volleyball team will step up its performance this year, with 75 students applying to join the team.
“This would never happen if we were still consolidated. Think about it, we get everything twice now. We get everything twice now, so the kids have a lot more opportunities, both extracurricular and co-curricular,” said Harlan Johnson, Minot North principal.
Cadey Shipman, a senior volleyball player, said without the new school, there wouldn’t be enough spots on the team for all the girls.
“It’s super exciting, especially since I played sports for North last year. It’s kind of weird having to walk down the halls in full North gear while 50 other Minot High athletes are just staring at you,” Shipman said.
This is also a big change for the teachers who have taught in this district.
Economics teacher Terry Van Berkom realized that more space was needed to accommodate more children’s activities.
“Come with anticipation and joy, don’t be nervous. It will be a lot of fun and we will all learn together,” said Van Berkom.
Superintendent Scott Faul said it has been a strenuous journey, but he also called it a blessing for more pathways for children.
“A new beginning, a new school year, there is a lot of excitement for our elementary, middle and high school students. Everyone is ready,” Faul said.
The principal said the school will be more cost-effective to run compared to older schools.
They have implemented ways to reduce costs using simple methods such as switching sensor lights.
Classes begin on Wednesday shortly after 8 a.m.
Facilities that are yet to be completed include the swimming pool and the auditorium.
The school administration announced that the opening is planned for winter.
The new building is approximately 280,000 square feet, only slightly larger than Minot High’s 276,000 square feet.
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