By SARA KINCAID Construction costs could determine the size of a new elementary school in Bismarck. The Bismarck School Board decided on plans to build a school that holds 400 to 480 students. The size depends on the cost of construction bids the district hopes to get in January.

By SARA KINCAID The saying goes that people who live in glass houses shouldn't cast stones. Guest speaker Kevin Prentiss wanted University of Mary students to see their virtual worlds as equally transparent. "Your bedroom is the center of your physical identity," he said.

By SARA KINCAID Bismarck Public Schools will cover the cost of a remedial reading program. Read Right works with below-level readers to bring them up to grade level. Grant and federal money was no longer available for the program.

By SARA KINCAID Lunch prices will go up in Mandan for the upcoming school year. The food service program costs more to run than it makes, and the increase will help offset part of the deficit. The remainder will come out of the budget carryover.

By SARA KINCAID School districts are preparing for changes next year to state requirements for graduation. The Bismarck School District recently approved changes to its graduation requirement policy to reflect changes to state law that go into effect next year.