On Aug. 14, I watched with great interest the interim Education Committee meeting that took place at the state Capitol. Toward the end of the meeting, committee Chair Sen. Michelle Axtman updated the committee on the work of the school choice task force (SCTF). Axtman went on to say that the task force “is not legislatively driven” and has met “multiple times.” Excellent reporting by Amy Dalrymple in the North Dakota Monitor notes that the SCTF has met three times, and Axtman has indicated that it will meet in the future as the task force inches “closer to really cementing what possible legislation would look like.”

According to Axtman, because this committee/task force “is not legislatively driven,” this group does not have to post notifications of its meetings, open the meetings to the public, produce minutes of the meetings, or otherwise comply with our state’s open meetings requirements. I know she is following the advice of the director of Legislative Council, but that advice is causing many people in North Dakota — including members of Axtman’s interim Education Committee — great concern about transparency.

I am not surprised to learn that “school choice” is being studied this interim. When the Legislature narrowly passed HB 1532 then failed to override Gov. Doug Burgum’s veto of that voucher bill, it was clear that the proponents of giving public dollars to private, parochial and homeschools would be back with another plan to accomplish their goal.

What I am surprised about, however, is that an ad hoc “not legislatively driven” task force is doing the work of drafting legislation to be considered, rather than a subcommittee of the interim Education Committee. Section 13 of

SB 2284

says “… the legislative management shall study school choice models,” yet, the SCTF that Sen. Axtman has referenced includes just three of the interim Education Committee’s 21 members. It is worth noting that the lobbyist for the State Association of Nonpublic Schools and the vice president of academic affairs for the Light of Christ Catholic Schools, among others, have seats at the table as the SCTF gets “closer to really cementing what possible legislation would look like.”

Now, while I disagree with the notion that North Dakota taxpayers should be paying to support private and parochial schools in North Dakota, I welcome the discussion. But that discussion should occur in public, not in secrecy. Just because one can hold “not legislatively driven” meetings in private, does not mean that one should. When legislation is being crafted that will impact something as important as the education of our children, why wouldn’t all of us want to see how that legislation develops?

The closed-to-the-public meetings lead North Dakotans to question the motives of those involved. The Department of Public Instruction ought not be using taxpayer monies to pay the Hunt Institute to facilitate private legislator retreats or this “not legislatively driven” task force that are not open to the public. It is not a good look for DPI, Hunt or our legislators.

Look, I believe Axtman when she says that she and the others are working hard to improve education for all students. I know her to be an honorable and resolute public servant. All I would ask, however, is for that work to be done in public with an opportunity for all voices on the matter to be heard.

Matt Kalbus, AIA, has joined the Ackerman-Estvold Fargo office in our architecture group. Kalbus earned Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design and Bachelor of Architecture degrees from North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota. Matt has over a decade of experience working in the architecture industry in North Dakota and Minnesota with a focus on large mixed-use projects. His responsibilities will include conceptual design, design development, and coordination & construction management on architectural projects throughout the region.

Ackerman-Estvold is a professional engineering and architectural firm headquartered in Minot, ND, with an additional office location in Fargo, and Williston, ND and Boise, ID. The firm provides planning, design, and construction services for public and private clients throughout North Dakota and surrounding states. For more information about Ackerman-Estvold, and the services they provide, visit www.ackerman-estvold.com.

Yelp just released its list of the Top 100 Pizza Spots in the Midwest. And surprise — Chicago does NOT top the list.

A place in Michigan ranked the best with Yelp. Loui’s Pizza in Hazel Park, Michigan — serves up Detroit-style pizza. You know, square with crispy corners.

Sorry, Chicago — you didn’t take second, either.

That goes to Futuro in Indianapolis with their Detroit-style and Deep Dish pizzas.

The Windy City DID get representation with number three’s Pequod’s Pizza and their deep dish pies.

The folks at Yelp say their data team “analyzed business rating and review volume” to compile their ultimate guide to the Midwest’s best pizza joins — all based on Yelp user feedback and reviews.

25. Young Joni, Minneapolis

With Korean BBQ, Short Rib and Pork Belly pies, Yelp users appreciated Young Joni’s hipster-casual atmosphere.

Said Yelp user Annie N.:

“The Korean BBQ pizza at Young Joni is truly in a league of its own. The unique fusion of Korean flavors gives it a distinct and unforgettable taste that sets it apart from any other pizza I’ve ever tried. Each bite is bursting with flavor, leaving you craving more.”

27. Mama’s Pizza, St. Paul

Said Yelp reviewer Divebabydive G.:

“Wood fired. Perfect crust. The sauce is outstanding. Owners are friendly and mentioned people drive from as far away as St. Cloud.”

39. Boludo, Minneapolis

Said Yelper Nicole N.:

“The pepperoni pizza was definitely something I would come back for! It is thin and greasy, which sounds bad but the cheeses were rich and sooooo tasty! This is not a pizza you eat when you are counting calories/ dieting haha.”

80. Pizzeria Lola, Minneapolis

Featuring Korean BBQ, Lady Zaza, Roasted Cauliflower and Short Ribs pizza.

Said Robert W.:

“Everyone’s favorite was the Lady Zaza – it was so incredible and featured a nice combination of Korean and Italian flavors. The spicy sauce works really well and I loved the kimchi and sausage on it.”

82. Brianno’s Deli-Italia, Eagan

Said Yelper Josh D.:

“Looking to get away from chain pizza/pasta -try this place and you’ll never go back…”

84. Blackbird Woodfire, Fargo

Said Yelp reviewer Michelle A.:

“Our family of 6 ordered a variety of Woodfire pizzas ranging from lumberjack with fried eggs, Canadian bacon, wild mushroom, and what I ordered a cheeky pepperoni. My pizza had pepperoni, basil, cheese, tomatoes and spicy honey. It was good.” 

85. Fireflour Pizza + Coffee Bar, Bismarck

Yelper Shinryu A. said:

“The pizza was delicious, you can tell they’re very passionate about their ingredients and process.” 

87. Element Wood Fire Pizza

Featuring Old World, wood fired pizza.

According to Yelp reviewer Kyle T.:

“My daughter got the Northeast special with extra olives…I got the Mediterranean which was meatless. Both were wonderful! The crust is that perfect crisp edge, very little flop and a nice char..but a soft chewy center while still being very thin and strong! Now a crust like this is not easy to do, and they do it very well!

“Flavors where great, not to many ingredients to weigh it down and sog it up while not being short on them at all! Just the right amount of cheese, just the right amount of everything!”

89. Tono Pizzeria + Cheesesteaks, Maplewood

From Yelp reviewer Steve C.:

“I’ve now tried more Twin Cities pizza places. To me, Tono’s still the runaway winner. Compares with the best of NY and Philly: tasty sauce and (a rarity) great crust. Still having an aesthetic problem with places that cut the pizza into tiny squares. Where did that practice come from? Lemon bars?”

LOOK: Here are copycat recipes from 20 of the most popular fast food restaurants in America