M
inot Public Schools Superintendent Scott Faul and board member Bill Irmen discussed the potential sale of district property near Erik Ramstad Middle School at Thursday's meeting.

    The district is considering selling a portion of its 70-acre property south of Ramstad, which could be developed into single-family homes. Faul said this would not only generate revenue but also increase enrollment in the school district. However, maintaining the property incurs costs and liability issues due to trespassers.

    Faul stated that an appraisal will be presented at the next board meeting in December, after which the board can decide whether to proceed with the sale. The developer requires the land to be ready for development by March 2025. Faul also plans to meet with the city manager to explore potential incentives for development.

    The targeted area for sale is located between 35th Avenue Northwest and 32nd Avenue Northwest, from 10th Street Northwest to 14th Street Northwest. The district owns 70 acres in this area, but some of it is not suitable for development due to its condition.

    Board member Scott Louser expressed concerns that selling the land might compromise its long-term value, suggesting that the board should consider the potential consequences of their decision. He emphasized that selling valuable assets to cover a budget deficit could lead to similar issues in the future.

    Faul clarified that the Sentinel missile program at Minot Air Force Base is not expected to significantly impact housing demand until 2030.