Submitted Art Logo designed by MPS graphic artist Tina Brown.

The Minot Public School Board unanimously approved on Thursday a drawing of a knight’s helmet as the new logo for the Minot North Sentinels.

Student Activities Director Mitch Lunde told the board that the winning logo was designed by Tina Brown, a graphic artist employed by the school district.

Six prospective logos were put to a vote of Central Campus students who will eventually attend the new Minot North High School beginning in the fall of 2024. The designs were narrowed down to two.

“The Minot North future students then voted on their preference, with the results being an almost 50/50 split at 51/49,” said Lunde.

Lunde told the board that the designs could be put to a vote again, but the results would probably be the same. Approving the logo means the district can get moving on the design. Lunde also said the district will not have to provide any extra compensation for the winning design because Brown is a school district employee. The district also would be able to modify the design as needed.

The school board had previously approved navy and blue as the school colors for Minot North. On Thursday, the board also gave unanimous approval for the letter “M” in the Minot North school colors to appear on apparel and other items associated with the new school.

Students who will be attending Minot North are already competing in athletics as Minot North Sentinels.

Voters in the school district approved a bond issue last year that will pay for new construction and renovation of the former Cognizant building in northwest Minot into the new 9-12 Minot North High School. The bond issue also will pay to convert Magic City Campus into a 9-12 high school and to convert Central Campus into a third, in-town middle school.

On Thursday, school board members also heard that student test scores are moving in the right direction. The COVID-19 pandemic caused declines in student performance at schools across the country. School Superintendent Mark Vollmer told the board that students in the district underwent standardized testing at the start of the school and were tested again a few months later. Students who tested below the 40th percentile on the test were targeted for educational intervention. When they were tested again, many students at the elementary level had improved in math and reading over the past few months. Fewer middle and high school students need intervention as well, said Vollmer.

“This is something to celebrate,” said Vollmer.

The board also voted 4-1 to approve spending up to $20,000 for an employee satisfaction survey. Board president Jim Rostad voted against the motion because he is concerned about costs. Other board members felt it was important to do the survey, in part because it could help with teacher retention.