Big Changes for Schools | Video

Kristin Clouston | 12/31/2012

Many of our schools experienced record enrollment in 2012. That meant both public and private schools needed to make big, expensive decisions that couldn`t wait. A couple of those changes will be making a big impact in the year to come.

Mandan residents made it clear they wanted a new elementary school when they passed a $12.5 million bond with a 78 percent "yes" vote. The new school will be built in the northwest part of town and should be open in the fall of 2014. The district also opened the Brave Center Academy, an alternative high school.

Overwhelming voter support means Bismarck will build two new elementary schools and a new high school, as well as make improvements to other schools with a $86.5 million bond. Bismarck Public Schools won its bond issue with a landslide 85 percent "yes" vote. Superintendent Tamara Uselman says it`s a start. "As fast as we`re creating new space, it`s kind of eating that space up but the district is well positioned to chase after this problem. I don`t think we`re going to solve it because of the amount of growth but we`re certainly providing space as quickly as we can, and it`s a good thing the community is allowing us to do that."

Shiloh Christian School has raised six million dollars over the past year for its expansion.

"After 11 months of fund raising, we have received one more significant gift. One million dollar naming right gift to the baseball field," said Shiloh superintendent Morgan Forness.

Because of that, the school can start building a new sports complex.

"Baseball, football, track and we`ll begin breaking ground as soon as the snow melts and we are hopeful to have a football field ready to play by fall 2013," Forness said.

The school`s expansion will also include a large performing arts center.

Bismarck Catholic schools consolidated under the Light of Christ Catholic Schools of Excellence. In order to make room for younger students, seventh and eighth graders will move to their own section of St. Mary`s High School Next Fall.

Here`s some news that could affect all public schools: The state already provides $27.7 million dollars in aid to K-12 schools. If the legislature approves, that amount could change to nearly half a billion dollars.

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