North Dakota School Boards Association - NDSBA

This lady is NDSBA's Business and Policy Specialist -- and today she's extra-special! Please join us in celebrating Patty VerDouw's 75th birthday!

We're so fortunate to have Patty as part of the team here at NDSBA. We can always count on her to bring the sparkle! (You can't read it, but her sash reads, "75 and Sparkling," and she's wearing a "Birthday Girl" tiara.) 😃

Have a great birthday, Patty! 💛🩷💐🎂🥳

SAVE THE DATE!

Kick off the NDSBA Annual Convention on October 8, 2026, with our School Law Seminar, designed to keep school board members and administrators informed about the latest legal issues affecting North Dakota schools.

Led by experienced legal professionals, this session provides timely updates on school law, emerging legal trends, policy considerations, and practical guidance to help districts navigate an ever-changing educational landscape.

Attendees will gain valuable insights and resources to support effective governance and sound decision-making.

Check this out! Congratulations to students representing Bismarck and Fargo at the National History Day contest!

Bismarck Public Schools Fargo Public Schools

North Dakota students’ projects were recognized at the National History Day competition held June 14-18 at the University of Maryland in College Park.

Olivia Grote and Mariam Keita from Legacy High School in Bismarck received one of two “U.S. Women’s History” awards for their senior group documentary, “The Women Behind the Black Panther Party.” The award recognizes outstanding National History Day projects in any division and category that highlight the contributions, achievements, and unique perspectives of women in the U.S.

North Dakota’s junior outstanding affiliate entry was awarded to Emilia Grimm and Nora Nelson of Horizon Middle School in Bismarck for their junior group exhibit, “Women Entering the U.S. Judiciary.” North Dakota’s senior outstanding affiliate entry was awarded to Aayusha Aryal of Fargo Davies High School for her senior individual exhibit, “The Anti-Rana Movement: Nepal’s Struggle for Democracy.” Outstanding affiliate entry distinctions are given to one junior and senior project from each state.

A group of students from Fargo North High School were among the National History Day contestants whose projects were featured in a June 17 showcase at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. “Miracle on Ice” by Isla Melby, Jenna Kurtz, and Amelia Sandell of Fargo North High School was among the 46 projects nationwide displayed.

Twenty-five students represented the state at the annual contest. While on the East Coast, North Dakota students presented their work on the theme “Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History” and had opportunities to meet the 2,951 other competitors. They also visited the U.S. Capitol and met with U.S. Senators John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer.

Are you a newly elected school board member? SAVE THE DATE for the New Member Learning to Lead Workshop on October 8, 2026. This half-day event happens during the NDSBA Annual Convention at the Bismarck Event Center.

All newly elected school board members are required by state law to attend this workshop (NDCC §15.1-09-32), which is designed to provide the foundational knowledge and tools needed to be an effective board member.

We look forward to working with you and supporting your success as you begin this important journey.

Congratulations, Don Fry of Mandan High School!

Congratulations to Mandan High School marketing teacher Mr. Don Fry on being named the winner of the Bismarck Larks and Lignite Energy Council's Kids Choice Awards: Teacher Edition! 🙌

What makes this recognition even more special is how it happened. A group of current and former students put Mr. Fry's marketing lessons into action, creating a full-scale campaign complete with billboards, yard signs, social media accounts, and a website to rally support for their favorite teacher.

Check out the KFYR news story on their project here: https://www.kfyrtv.com/2026/06/15/lesson-learned-mandan-high-school-marketing-students-launch-campaign-teacher/

Way to go, Mr. Fry! Thank you for inspiring students and equipping them with real-world skills they can use long after they leave the classroom. ✨

It's good to step back from the hard work of being a school board member to have a little fun!

This past weekend, the NDSBA staff and board of directors enjoyed some friendly competition in weapons throwing at Laughing Sun in Bismarck. The venue seems aptly named ... because boy, did we have some good laughs! 😂

Staff Attorney Lexie Bergstrom proved to be a ringer for her team, and Board President Nathan Berseth slipped into "Beast Mode!" We also witnessed some great teamwork and support between board members.

Letting our hair down together was just what we needed to kick off the Annual NDSBA Board Retreat! 🎯

Now, back to work! 😄

SAVE THE DATE!

NDSBA, in partnership with the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction, will host the 9th Annual School Board Member Bootcamp via Zoom on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.

Board Member Bootcamp highlights school board basics, roles and responsibilities, school law, and the resources and services available to you from NDSBA and NDDPI.

This free event is for all newly elected school board members -- but any board member is welcome to attend. Registration and program details are coming soon.

NDSBA members in our southwest region: please RSVP for the NDSBA Southwest Regional Meeting!

The event will be held at the Biesiot Activities Center in Dickinson on Thursday, July 16, 3:30 - 6:00 p.m. (MDT).

This new initiative is designed to bring NDSBA leadership closer to its members, strengthen relationships with local officials, and gather input to help shape future legislative and advocacy priorities.

Superintendents and board members from NDSBA member districts listed here will be invited to attend. We will also be inviting local legislators and county commissioners to join the conversation, and we'll have an update from the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction!

Please plan to attend and bring your ideas, questions, and district needs.

RSVP: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Xo1o2ouKnGNoLI_DwBjL-lPjWoFMP8lXaG__l2oo7P8/edit

We're excited to announce that North Dakota Insurance Reserve Fund is once again our School Law Seminar sponsor at the 2026 NDSBA Annual Convention!

Thank you, NDIRF! We look forward to working with you!