Minot Public Schools has five school board members who are elected for four-year terms.
All meetings are open to the public and are subject to North Dakota law. A majority of the Board (3) constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business. Agendas are available at each meeting for visitors and for the news media.
More information about the MPS School Board, agendas, and minutes can be found on MPS School Board page.
Minot Air Force Base has five school board members who are appointed to three-year terms.
All meetings are open to the public and are subject to North Dakota law. A majority of the Board (3) constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business. Agendas are available at each meeting for visitors and for the news media.
More information about the MAFB Board, agendas, and minutes can be found on the MAFB School Board pages.
13 days ago
Scott Louser was born in Minot and graduated Minot High School in 1989. He attended Minot State University and graduated with a business administration degree. In 1997, he began a career in real estate and continued his education at Minot State, graduating in 2001 with a master's in management. He is currently the broker/owner of NextHome Legendary Properties.
Louser served as the North Dakota Association of Realtors state president in 2005 and the National Association of Realtors Vice President in 2012. In 2011, he was first elected to the North Dakota House of Representatives where he continues to serve as the chairman of the Industry Business and Labor committee. He has served on many volunteer committees in the community over the years and has three children: Garett, a 2021 Minot High School graduate; Kamryn, Jim Hill Middle School student; and Kendyl, Edison Elementary student.
First Term Ends: 2028
Email: scott.louser@minot.k12.nd.us
Lacey Laudenschlager is a native of Sawyer, ND. She graduated in 2001 and is very proud of her small town roots. After high school, she attended Minot State University where she was part of the women’s basketball team and was involved in student government. She later transferred to the University of North Dakota where she remained involved in student government, ultimately graduating with degrees in history and Spanish.
Laudenschlager’s professional background includes education and real estate. She has been involved in various organizations throughout the Minot Community. She is currently a member of Power of the Purse, a giving circle within the Minot Area Community Foundation whose mission is to support women’s and children’s programs. She is also a part of the MSU Beaver Boosters and serves on the MSU Board of Regents.
Laudenschlager and her husband, Erik, have five children: Jack, Selia, Sofia, Elise, and Ella. Their great grandmother graduated from Minot High in 1933 making them fourth generation MPS students! The Laudenschlagers enjoy spending the majority of their time following their children's activities and visiting Lake Metigoshe.
First Term Ends: 2028
Email: lacey.laudenschlager@minot.k12.nd.us
Mitch Kraft was born in Minot, North Dakota and moved to the family farm in Plaza, North Dakota the summer before he entered the fifth grade. After graduating from Plaza High School, he attended Minot State University and earned a Bachelor of Science in Management.
Kraft is proud to be active in our community, including serving as past president of the state local chapter of Phi Beta Lambda, past president of the Minot Association of Builders, and past president of the Minot swim club.
Third Term Ends: 2030
Email: mitchell.kraft@minot.k12.nd.us
Bill Irmen grew up in Sawyer, ND. He graduated from Minot State University and taught at Jim Hill Middle School for 32 years. He currently works as a construction inspector for the Indian Health Service. Irmen and his wife, Amy, have two daughters, Madison and Riley, who are proud Minot High School graduates.
First Term Ends: 2028
Email: bill.irmen@minot.k12.nd.us
Matt Bianco grew up in El Segundo, CA. After high school, he joined the United States Air Force where he served 24 years in various roles around the US, Europe and Iraq before arriving at Minot AFB in 2013. Since retiring from the Air Force in 2016, he continues to support the 91 Missile Wing's Minuteman III and future Sentinel mission and currently works for BAE Systems Inc. He also attended University of North Dakota where he graduated with a master of business administration.
Bianco is married to Rebecca. He has two sons and a daughter, Nate, Bella, and Rocco, plus five grand kids. Becky has two sons as well: Bradyn and Landon. Four of their children have been MPS students. In their spare time, they enjoy seeing concerts, traveling, or just relaxing at home with their pets.
First Term Ends: 2030
Email: matthew.bianco@minot.k12.nd.us
13 days ago
TSgt Fileccia has served on the Month of the Military Child Working Group for Minot Air Force Base and coordinated 50+ volunteers for the Month of the Military Child “Clap In” at Dakota Elementary, North Plains Elementary, and Memorial Middle School. In addition, he has demonstrated an ability to lead others and ensure lines of communication are clear.
Appointed to board: 2023
Email: eric.fileccia@minot.k12.nd.us
Wes has served on the Minot Air Force Base School District Board since 2023, where he has supported academic excellence and student success. Outside of his board responsibilities, he is an active youth soccer and basketball coach, committed to mentoring and inspiring the next generation both on and off the field. Drawing on his security background and leadership experience, Wes plays a key role in guiding the district’s vision and long-term strategic goals.
Appointed to board: 2023
Email: wesley.hoffman@minot.k12.nd.us
Minot Public School Board Meetings for 2026-27 will take place at the specified locations at 5:00 PM on the second Thursday of each month, unless otherwise indicated. The scheduled meeting dates, with exceptions where applicable, are as follows:
MPS Board Meeting Dates - 2026-27.
All 2026-2027 Regular School Board Meetings of the Minot Air Force Base School District #160 will be held at 5:00 PM quarterly on the third Tuesday of the month at the Memorial Middle School. The dates of those meetings, with exceptions as noted, are as follows :
What is the budget process for a public school district?
The internal budget process can vary from school district to school district. For the Minot Public Schools, the budget process starts in the winter prior to the new school year starting. Course offerings and staffing is determined by administration. During this timeframe revenue from various sources is being projected by the Business Office. Contracts for current Certified teaching staff & Administrators must be issued by March 1 and no later than May 1. This issuance is suspended if the school board is in active negotiations.
Currently, for public school districts to receive foundation aid revenue from the State of North Dakota, they are required to levy at least 60 mills for their general fund. In setting this levy, school districts must comply with North Dakota Century Code regarding their tax levy and budget:
1. In accordance with House Bill No. 1176, passed by the North Dakota Legislature in 2025, the Minot Public School District must provide notice to Ward County by August 10, 2026, of its date, time, place of the public budgeting hearing and where the budget is available for review. This information was approved at the July 9, 2026 school board meeting. The 2026 Budget Hearing will be Thursday, September 10, 2026 at the Minot Area Workforce Academy at 5:30 p.m. The address of the Minot Area Workforce Academy is 2100 21st Ave NW, Minot, ND 58703. The 2026-2027 preliminary budget is available during business hours at the MPS Administration Building located at 215 2nd St SE, Minot, ND 58701. It is also available on the district website at https://www.minot.k12.nd.us/en-US/business-and-finance-531b7d6d under Budget Reports.
2. As a taxing entity, school districts must comply with HB 1176 Property Tax Cap Calculations, levy limitations and exemptions. Unused percentages under the cap calculations may be carried over up to five (5) years.
3. School Districts must hold a public budget hearing regarding the tax levy submitted to the County Auditor. This hearing must take place between September 7 and October 7 of the taxing year.
4. The final levy for the taxing year must be approved by the school board and submitted to the County Auditor by October 10.
Who do we go to ask budget questions?
The school board is responsible for adopting and monitoring the budget. The Superintendent (or their designee) prepares, administers, monitors and details the budget. Questions regarding the budget should be directed to Superintendent Dr. Scott Faul who will direct questions into the proper chain of command.
What is the process to make changes to the budget during the year?
For the Minot Public Schools, after the final budget is adopted by the School Board, by October 10, budget amendment recommendations are presented to the school board under the Consent Agenda.
Can the school district create videos regarding their budget process and decisions?
While this may seem ideal, the district does not currently have an employee hired for this duty.
