MINOT, ND ( KXNET ) — “New” is the theme of this coming school year at Minot Public Schools: A new superintendent, new school board members, a new high school, and a new budget cycle.

“We will learn together, and grow together, and those are all exciting. Change is good,” said Dr. Scott Faul, the superintendent of Minot Public Schools.

Dr. Scott Faul may be new to the superintendent title, but he’s no stranger to education or Minot Public Schools.

He’s entering his 14th year with MPS, with 12 of those years as principal of the Magic City Campus, ending last school year as District Assistant Superintendent.

Jumping into his new role, he says one of his main focuses is getting the new high school, along with its principal, teachers, and staff ready to go this August. But there’s still a lot of work to be done.

“We haven’t really firmed up a lot of things yet, because so much of it depends on when we get occupancy of Minot North,” explained Dr. Faul.

“I think there are some rumors going around that we’re not going to start school on time, but we are going to start,” said Harlan Johnson, the principal of Minot North High School. “We are going to be in this facility, I’m not worried about that at all.”

Although parts of the high school are finished, Johnson says other areas will continue to be worked on throughout the school year.

“May we have a few things we need to work on? Absolutely, anytime you have a construction project of 280,000 some square feet of a building, it takes a little time to works through all of those things,” said Johnson.

Dr. Faul says student numbers for the Sentinels will be a little lopsided this year compared to the Magicians, but are set to level out in the future.

“We’ve got one year where it’s a little bit unbalanced and our teacher time at Minot High is a little more this year,” explained Dr. Faul. “But then next year, it should balance out real nice.”

With new leadership, a new school, and a new year about to commence, Johnson says all involved are excited for this Magic City milestone, and a little healthy rivalry.

“That rivalry, that is going to be a good thing for our community,” said Johnson. “I’m really looking forward to that and kind of seeing how that can build as we move forward. Because it’s not just going to be Minot High winning those championships anymore. Eventually, it’s going to be us, as well.”

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