North Dakota School Boards Association - NDSBA

09/10/2026

Do you know your state legislators? Do you know how they do (or don't) support the hard work you do as a school board member or administrator?

North Dakota's public schools - our students, their families, and the educators who come through their doors each day - are directly impacted by those who show up to vote in elections and the individuals elected at the ballot box. No matter what party or candidate you choose, ND4PS encourages you and every North Dakotan to ask questions, be informed, and vote for individuals who will stand up for public schools and champion public education in their votes, words, and actions.

Join Erin Oban for her clinic session on Friday, Oct. 9 at the 2026 NDSBA Annual Convention. She will share ways that the coalition is working to strengthen, protect, and celebrate our public schools through civic engagement, including highlighting the coalition's legislative voter guide, which provides information about where the candidates and incumbents on the ballot this November stand on issues important to public education.

09/10/2026

We asked the NDSBA team to dig out their grade school photos, and the results are too cute not to share! 🩷

National School Picture Day seemed like the perfect time to remind everyone that before we were NDSBA staff, we were just little girls full of wonder and possibilities! From school picture smiles to supporting public education across North Dakota, we've come a long way. 😎

Feel free to drop your own grade school photo in the comments!

09/09/2026

NDSBA members in the northeast region of North Dakota -- tomorrow is the day!

The NDSBA Northeast Regional Meeting will be held on Thursday, September 10, 2026, 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at Devils Lake High School (commons area), 1601 College Drive N., Devils Lake, ND.

Superintendents and school board members from the public school districts in your region are invited to attend, along with county commissioners and local legislators from the region. We've also invited the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction, and we'll host a legislative panel discussion. Please plan to attend and bring your ideas, questions, and district needs!

Contact NDSBA with any questions. We hope to see you there!

09/08/2026

North Dakota students are getting a bigger seat at the table!

NDDPI just announced two exciting initiatives: the 2026-2028 Superintendent's Student Cabinet and a brand-new Student Legislative Summit.

The Student Cabinet brings together 25 middle and high school students from across the state to share their perspective on education issues directly with the Department over a two-year term.

The new Student Legislative Summit will be held Nov. 16-17 in the ND House of Representative Chambers, a two-day legislative simulation focused this year on educational technology and artificial intelligence. It's designed to give lawmakers direct, student-driven insight ahead of the 2027 legislative session.

"When students from all corners of the state come together, we establish a strong, informed foundation that can influence the future of our schools," said State Superintendent Levi Bachmeier, a former high school government teacher.

Student Cabinet members will automatically serve as Summit delegates. Additional delegates will be chosen from all 47 legislative districts through an open application process.

Schools are encouraged to nominate civic-minded, high-achieving students ready to lead. Interested high school students can apply HERE: https://www.forms.nd.gov/262503618294863

🔗 https://rebrand.ly/studentcabinet

09/08/2026

NDSBA members -- we have exciting news to share!

North Dakota State Superintendent Levi Bachmeier will give the keynote message during the 2026 NDSBA Annual Convention on Friday morning, Oct. 9.

Bachmeier will share how NDDPI is using viewpoints of North Dakota citizens to ensure we lead the nation with America's best schools. Opportunities for state and district strategic plan collaboration will be highlighted, as well as opportunities for districts to lead in critical areas.

Be sure to take advantage of the early bird registration rates by Sept. 18. We're looking forward to seeing you at our annual convention!

09/08/2026

NDSBA members -- the 2026 NDSBA Annual Convention is just one month away! Register today so you don't miss out on hearing from Frannie Tunseth!

Frannie is the 2026 North Dakota Teacher of the Year and a middle school math and language arts interventionist at May-Port CG Public Schools in Mayville, ND. A PhD candidate and mentor of future educators at the University of North Dakota, Frannie is passionate about relationships, educator voice, and discovering what happens when we dissolve the walls of the classroom. She loves connecting schools and communities and celebrating the incredible things happening every day in our public schools.

Educators make a life-altering difference every day. Drawing on her Ph.D. research in teacher retention, Frannie will share a message titled, "Sustaining the Magic: Retaining the Educators We Have." It's focused on the urgent need to wrap our arms around the incredible teachers already in our schools, honor their wisdom, lift each other up, and build supportive communities to sustain passion and protect the heart of the profession.

We hope to see you at the convention!

09/07/2026

Labor Day honors all who serve and strengthen our communities, including those who work on behalf of our students and schools! Thank you for your hard work!

A reminder: the NDSBA office is closed today in observance of the holiday.

09/04/2026

The Bismarck Public Schools Foundation is proud to announce the establishment of the Dr. Jeff and Lisa Fastnacht Scholarship, honoring a shared commitment to public education and the belief that great educators have the power to transform lives, strengthen communities, and shape the future.

Together, Jeff and Lisa Fastnacht have devoted more than six decades to serving students and schools across South Dakota and North Dakota. Both began their educational careers in Britton, South Dakota, and went on to serve students, educators, and communities throughout the region.

Lisa served Ellendale Public Schools from 1996–2018 as an elementary teacher and later a Title I teacher. In 2018, she joined Mandan Public Schools as an English Language (EL) teacher, continuing her commitment to helping every child feel supported, valued, and capable of reaching their full potential.

Jeff began his educational leadership career in North Dakota in 1996 as the elementary principal and Technology Director for Ellendale Public Schools. He became superintendent of Ellendale Public Schools in 2002, serving the district for sixteen years. In 2018, he joined Mandan Public Schools as assistant superintendent before becoming superintendent of Bismarck Public Schools in 2023.

Recognizing the ongoing need to recruit, develop, and retain outstanding educators, the Fastnachts created this scholarship to encourage young people to pursue careers in education and celebrate the meaningful impact teachers make in the lives of children every day.

It is Jeff and Lisa’s hope that this scholarship will inspire future educators to lead with purpose, serve with compassion, and make a lasting difference in the lives of their students.

To learn more about the Dr. Jeff and Lisa Fastnacht Scholarship, including applicant criteria, the application form, and ways to contribute, visit:
https://bpsfoundation.com/project/dr-jeff-and-lisa-fastnacht-scholarship/

09/03/2026

The NDSBA office will be closed next Monday in observance of the Labor Day holiday.

We will return to normal business hours, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., on Tuesday, September 8.

09/02/2026

Catch up on the latest COSSBA news!

It's a new month which means there is a new COSSBA Events Newsletter. Catch up on all of the events by reading it!
https://mailchi.mp/cossba/cossba-upcoming-events-12934353