The Board

There are nine school board members. To contact the school board please send an email to schoolboard@msd1.org This email will go to all nine school board members.

The School Board acts officially only as a corporate group. An individual School Board member has no authority outside of a formally called Board meeting. No one acts in the name of the Board except when authorized by the full Board to do so.

The School Board is the policy-making body for the school district. They set policies for management of the district that the superintendent and the district staff then carry out. The School Board approves the budget; establishes goals and priorities; acquires and disposes of property; serves as a link between the school system and the public; and interprets educational needs and concerns of the community. In addition to attending board meetings, Board Members serve as liaisons to various district and non-district committees.

Superintendent's Corner
Dr. Mike Bitz

Welcome to the Mandan Public School website. The Mandan School District educates over 4,300 students in grades Pre K-12 and employs about 670 people, which includes 340 teachers. The district has one high school (grades 9-12), one middle school (grades 6-8), six elementary schools (grades K-5), an alternate high school for grades 10-12 and five preschool special education classrooms. It is our intent to create an environment in our schools that challenges every student to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to become informed and productive citizens in today’s global society. A close working relationship between teachers and parents is necessary for this to be accomplished.

School Board
Sheldon Wolf

School Board President | Sheldon Wolf Serving Since: 2013 Term Expires: 2027

School Board
Rick Horn

Rick Horn Morton County Housing Authority Exec. Director Serving Since: 2014 Term Expires: 2027

School Board
Kama Hoovestol

Mrs. Kama Hoovestol Serving Since: 2014 Term Expires: 2026

School Board
Darren Haugen

Mr. Darren Haugen Assistant VP, Starion Bank Serving Since: 2020 Term Expires: 2026

School Board
Lori Furaus

Mrs. Lori Furaus ND United Field Consultant Serving Since: 2013 Term Expires: 2025

School Board
Marnie Piehl

Mrs. Marnie Piehl ND AARP Communications Director Serving Since: 2014 Term Expires: 2026

School Board
Tom Peters

Mr. Tom Peters Serving Since: 2022 Term Expires: 2025

School Board
Amy Schanandore

Mrs. Amy Schanandore Serving Since: 2024 Term Expires: 2027

School Board
Jake Schmidt

Mr. Jake Schmidt Basin Electric Mechanic / Operator Serving Since: 2024 Term Expires: 2025

Public Participation

A scheduled time for public participation has been placed on the agenda at MPS Board of Education general meetings. The Board desires to hear the viewpoints of citizens throughout the district.

  • Individuals wishing to address the Board are requested to make arrangements with the Board President or the Superintendent prior to the meeting.

  • Comments should be made to the Board and not to individuals in the audience and be related to school operations and programs.

  • The Board will not hear personal complaints against any person connected with the school district.

  • Comments must address topics that are on the agenda. If a citizen would like to add a topic to the school board agenda, arrangements must be made no later than Thursday prior to the meeting.

  • The Board reserves the right to eliminate or restrict the time allowed for public participation. The Board requests that comments are limited to five (5) minutes or less.

  • Groups of individuals addressing a common concern are asked to designate a spokesperson.