A New School Year Means a New High School Building for Mandan Students

Note: This is a two-part series highlighting the local school districts in Bismark-Mandan. Read about Bismarck Public Schools and follow our News and Media updates to keep up with other great stories on how residents Make Their Mark.

Students in Bismarck-Mandan recently returned to school, kicking off the new year with fresh supplies, excited teachers, and the promise of learning new things. However, high school students in Mandan had an extra special experience: walking into a brand-new school building.

“We’re just excited to have it open and for kids to take advantage of the opportunities this building provides,” says Dr. Mike Bitz, Superintendent at Mandan Public Schools.

The new school building supports 1,200 high school students, with the capacity to expand to 1,500 students. Dr. Bitz says the school district already has plans in place to expand when the time comes.

There’s plenty of room for students at Mandan Public Schools. Students have several choices when it comes to their coursework, and they can enjoy smaller class sizes so they get more attention from teachers. Here’s why everyone in the district is excited about the new school building. 

This is the Fourth New Mandan School Since 2005

When asked about opening the new high school, Dr. Bitz sounds like a seasoned professional. This is because his district has opened four new schools in the past twenty years — the new high school and three elementary schools. Even though students can attend class in the new school, some parts are still under construction and will be ready for use in the next few months.

“We expect the music area to be ready in September, the gym in late 2024, and the auditorium to open in early 2025,” says Bitz. He is quick to credit the high school teachers and support staff for handling the construction well. He says morale is high as different parts of the school open up.

“Our staff has been awesome,” he says. “When you move into a new house, you’re not settled on the first day. The things we are worried about today will not be problems six months from now.” 

Teachers, students, and parents have all seen the new high school and appreciate the upgrade from the old building. Even if a few parts of the construction project are still wrapping up, the excitement about the new building is palpable. 

The New High School Has Seven Dedicated CTE Classrooms 

One of the main benefits of the new Mandan High School building is the classrooms specifically dedicated to Career and Technical Education (CTE). While Mandan Public Schools works with Bismarck State College to help students get university credits in high school, the new CTE classrooms will save students time and allow them to avoid taking buses to their courses.

Students can take CTE courses through all four years of their high school enrollment. The courses include subjects related to health careers, construction, welding, agriculture, technology, engineering, and family and consumer sciences. Some students take these classes as electives to explore potential career fields, while others choose other coursework.

“There are a lot of different paths students can take to reach the 23 credits needed to graduate,” says Dr. Bitz. “Students can follow their interests, abilities, and career goals.”

Bitz adds that he always wants students to be Choice Ready, which means they are prepared for their next steps after high school, whether that means college, the workforce, the military, or any other desired path. 

Mandan Public Schools Empowers Students to Make Their Mark

When you walk around the new Mandan High School, you can see how each student plans to Make Their Mark based on their goals and interests. Some students are passionate about sports or music, while others are ready to enter the workforce and eager to earn college credit while still in school. Each student can have their own interests and feel supported by the school staff.  

“Bismarck and Mandan are both great school systems,” says Dr. Bitz. “Mandan is a supportive community and our schools have great staff. I enjoy raising my kids here.”

This is Dr. Bitz’s 37th year in education and his 15th year in Mandan. He started as a third-grade teacher and now works in a support role as leader of the district.  

Move to Bismarck-Mandan and Make Your Mark

There’s a place for everyone in Bismarck-Mandan, whether you want to spend every season outside or immerse yourself in a vibrant arts and culture scene. The Mandana Public School system lets students Make Their Mark and shine in their own ways. Learn more about relocating to Bismarck-Mandan and learn why these are the Happiest Cities in the United States.