North Dakota School Boards Association - NDSBA

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

09/02/2026

Great principals deserve to be recognized — and it starts with a nomination!

Do you know an outstanding principal or assistant principal making a difference in their school? We want to hear about them!

Anyone can nominate — students, colleagues, staff, parents, friends, community members and more.

Nominations are being accepted for:
Elementary | Middle School | Secondary
Principal | Assistant Principal

Nominations are open now through October 25th.

https://www.ndcel.org/page/principaloftheyear

Share the link. Share this post. Help us recognize the incredible principals and assistant principals leading North Dakota schools!

09/02/2026

North Dakota 4th graders can now get FREE passes to national parks! 🏞️

The Every Kid Outdoors program gives U.S. fourth graders and their families free access to more than 2,000 national parks, lands, and waters across the country. Students can explore America's natural, cultural, and historic treasures while building a lifelong love of the outdoors.

Here's how to get a park pass:
✅ Visit the Every Kid Outdoors website
✅ Complete a short educational activity
✅ Download your voucher (or use the digital pass)

The pass works from September 1 through August 31, so families have nearly a full year to plan their adventures.

NDDPI encourages every ND family with a 4th grader to take advantage of this opportunity. Share this with schools and families so no one misses out!

👉🏼 Get your pass today: https://everykidoutdoors.gov

09/02/2026

We realize it's still technically summer ...

But we need to get the word out NOW to teachers about our annual call for student artwork!

NDSBA is once again looking for original holiday-themed artwork to feature on our annual holiday cards. Students in our member school districts are invited to submit an original, landscape-oriented design measuring 5.5" wide x 4.75" high.

The winning artwork will be showcased on NDSBA's holiday cards in December.

The winning artist will receive a $50 Amazon gift card and recognition in the December Bulletin – plus, NDSBA will donate $200 to the winner's classroom!

All submissions must include (please print!):
✔Student's name
✔Grade
✔School district
✔Teacher's name

Mail to:
NDSBA
1224 West Owens Ave.
Bismarck, ND 58501

Or email a high-quality scan (300 dpi or greater) to [email protected].

We can't wait to see the creativity and holiday spirit of your students! Artwork must be received in the NDSBA office no later than 5 p.m. on Tuesday, November 17.

Pictured: 2025 first and second place winners, Burke Fiedler (Turtle Lake-Mercer, Grade 5) and Elly Tombarge, Grade 10 (Valley City).

09/01/2026

NDSBA Members: if you're also a member North Dakota Small Organized Schools -- here's a clinic session coming up during the 2026 Annual Convention on Friday, October 9:

NDSOS member schools are invited to attend this session that will include the Annual Meeting and Election of Board members. It will also include a brief summary of the programs and activities of the NDSOS over the past year and a discussion about the upcoming legislative session.

This session will be led by Mike Bitz, who recently retired after a 38-year career in public education -- all dedicated to serving students and communities across North Dakota. He concluded his career as Superintendent of Mandan Public Schools, where he served for 16 years. Prior to that he was Superintendent of Hillsboro Public Schools and previously served as a shared superintendent for Milnor and North Sargent Public Schools.

Earlier in his career, Mike spent time as an elementary principal at Emerado Public School and began his educational journey as a third-grade teacher and coach at Des Lacs- Burlington Public Schools.

Check out all of the clinic sessions we have lined up for the convention at ndsba.org under Events/Annual Convention

09/01/2026

The September edition of NDSBA's Bulletin is now available to members under the My Membership tab at www.ndsba.org (click Resources and then MONTHLY BULLETIN ARCHIVES). The paper version is in the mail.

Please note: the NDSBA office will be closed on Monday, Sept. 7, in observance of the Labor Day holiday -- and with the summer season over, we will return to normal business hours (8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.) on Tuesday, Sept. 8.

09/01/2026

Save the date!

Join us for our next Brunch & Learn on Wednesday, September 16.

NDDPI Assistant State Superintendent Stan Schauer will join us with an update on statewide education initiatives and developments.

Stan will discuss the implementation of Infinite Campus, including lessons learned and insights from the statewide go-live process.

He will also provide updates on the ND A+ Assessment System, including the recent standard-setting work, score reissuance, and what schools can expect moving forward.

Plus, Stan will give an update on the state's accountability system, including the anticipated release of accountability data following delays related to assessment standard setting.

There will be an opportunity for Q & A during this free webinar.

09/01/2026

State Superintendent Levi Bachmeier is heading back to the classroom! 👨🏼‍🏫

This school year, Bachmeier and NDDPI staff will volunteer as substitute teachers across North Dakota. Bachmeier will teach for three full days using his active ND teaching license, and NDDPI staff with current licenses can also volunteer for a day.

"Every parent and teacher knows to best serve students, understanding the realities of today's classroom is essential," Bachmeier said. "I'm excited for the opportunity to connect directly with kids and remain grounded in the everyday experiences of our students and teachers."

This effort also shines a light on North Dakota's substitute teacher shortage, which forces many teachers to cover multiple classrooms and pulls school leaders away from instructional work.

NDDPI has asked district superintendents to commit to substitute teaching at least one full day this year, with participating schools chosen at random.

Want to help your local school? Learn how to become a substitute teacher HERE! 👉🏼 https://www.nd.gov/espb/licensure/substitute-license-requirements-and-application