11, NO. 3 IN THIS
ESP OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
LOBBY DAY 2025 DELEGATE ASSEMBLY
LEGISLATIVE CROSSOVER REPORT HOW DISMANTLING DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION WILL HARM ND STUDENTS SPECIAL EDUCATION COLLECTIVE
North Dakotans Oppose Giving Public Funds to Private Schools
I hope this note finds each of you well and enjoying this spring-tease!
The second half of the 69th Legislative Assembly is in full swing, with bills that passed on one side are now crossing over to the other chamber for consideration. While we have been fortunate to kill some bad legislation, there are several bad pieces of legislation alive that concern all of us at ND United.
Among them is SB 2400, which is a voucher scheme designed as an “education savings account,” or ESA.
If enacted, this legislation will divert money raised for public education and other public purposes to pay for private school tuition and other “qualified educational expenses.”
Those expenses would include non-public school tuition, summer education camps, afterschool tutoring, school meals, standardized test fees, tuition and fees for nonpublic school online education programs, behavioral health services, etc Our issue with SB 2400 is twofold:
First, the bill allows private school tuition to be paid for with public dollars We know that 68 percent of North Dakotans do not approve of using public funds for private school tuition. Supporters of the bill know it, too That is why they’ve included the “qualified educational expenses” to the bill.
NICK ARCHULETA ND UNITED PRESIDENT
Both public and private school students will have access to funds to pay for those educational enhancements.
Which leads us to the second point that makes this bill unacceptable. SB 2400 does not treat public-school families and private-school families equally.
Under this bill, as passed by the Senate, public school students are eligible to receive an ESA payment of $500. It’s the same amount if the student is homeschooled.
If, however, you are a private school student, your allotment is $3,500 if your household income is at or less than 300% of poverty income guidelines, and $2,000 if the student’s household income is at or less than 500% of poverty income guidelines.
Until the bill was amended, those amounts were $500 higher for each category The bill’s author has indicated that she will ask the House to restore the cuts made in the Senate If this bill were to pass as amended, it would cost $58,119,000 plus another $3 million to administer this new, big government program for just one academic year!
If the author of SB 2400 gets her way and restores the money she originally proposed, the cost of this big government program balloons to around $100 million per academic year.
Folks, we need you to be in the ear of your House legislators when they consider SB 2400
We also need you to join North Dakotans for Public Schools
ND4PS is bringing together educators, parents, school boards and concerned citizens to bring to the fore the critical role public schools play in shaping the future of North Dakota’s children and communities.
Please join us on our Legislative Update Zoom call every other Tuesday during the session.
ACT NOW
Stand up For Public Education
Our student's futures are in jeopardy, and we must fight to ensure they get a great education from our great public institutions.
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COVER STORY: Legislative Crossover Report
At the halfway point of North Dakota’s 69th Legislative Assembly, there is much to be aware (and wary) of.
We’ve successfully advocated for several good bills, and we’ve helped to defeat many harmful bills, but lots of bad bills are still alive.
JOEL CRANE Press Secretary
We are still fighting against two voucher bills, a bill that could limit tenure in higher education institutions, and a bill to create public charter schools in North Dakota
We’re also fighting for salary increases for non-education public employees and higher education faculty and staff, as well as a fair increase for the K-12 funding formula
As the second half of the session kicks off, we encourage everyone to prepare to advocate on behalf of public education and public employees while these crucial decisions are being made
Vouchers
The state Legislature has advanced two of six bills that seek to establish “education savings accounts” (ESAs).
ESAs are just another name for vouchers, which would use public dollars to pay for private school tuition, a policy that North Dakota United is categorically opposed to.
SB 2400 would give $500 to all North Dakota students for “qualified educational expenses,” such as tutoring or behavioral health services.
Private school students would receive more than their public-school peers: Private school families whose household income is less than 300% of the poverty level would receive $3,500 per student, those whose household income is less than 500% of the poverty level would receive $2,000
HB 1540 would provide just over $4,000 to each private-school student.
ND United is fighting hard to defeat these bills
Lifetime Teacher Licensure
HB 1238 would lower the years required for lifetime teacher licensure from 30 years to 20 years.
After several NDU members submitted testimony in favor of the bill, it passed the House overwhelmingly The same thing happened in 2023, but the bill died in the Senate by one vote.
We at NDU believe this bill is a no-brainer: a simple first step toward improving teacher retention by demonstrating appreciation for the professionalism of our state’s educators.
Property Taxes
Just like most North Dakotans, ND United supports meaningful property tax relief, and the state Legislature is pursuing several avenues to accomplish just that.
The House has advanced three bills to address this issue: HB 1168, which would reduce what residents pay in property taxes for school districts by about 16% (and require the state to pick up the bill for the missing funding).
It would also institute year-over-year caps, which means increases in property tax levies would be limited to 3% for all local tax districts each year. HB 1176 also includes a 3% cap and would increase the yearly property tax credit from $500 to $1,450 for primary residences
HB 1575 would reduce taxable value of all categories and includes a 3% cap.
As of now, we expect HB 1176 will be the vehicle. We know tax language isn’t exactly exciting, but the takeaway from this section is simple: They are doing something about property taxes
School Meals
According to a poll we ran in December 2024, four out of five North Dakotans want the state to provide universal free school meals to our state’s students
Our state legislators don’t see it that way: HB 1475 was rejected by a 39-54 vote in the House We are disappointed, but hopeful we can at least improve upon legislation from last session, which provided free meals to families who were at or below 200% of the poverty line.
K-12 Funding
Things look bleak for K-12 funding: the Legislature now seems to be working with 2% increases for each year of the coming biennium.
As we all know, K-12 budget increases are not increases in teacher salaries. Since the costs of running a school increase as inflation increases, the budget increases will likely not be reflected in teacher salaries when negotiations roll around this spring.
That’s why we plan to keep fighting for higher increases
Tenure in Higher Education
HB 1437 has been amended from its original version, but we still oppose it. The original bill sought to eliminate tenure for new faculty at North Dakota’s two-year institutions The version passed by the House would require all public higher education institutions to develop and adopt a tenure review policy, as outlined in the bill
We are opposed to the new version of this bill because it enshrines higher education policy in North Dakota Century Code instead of allowing the State Board of Higher Education to set its own policies
It also sets parameters for the makeup of post-tenure review committees that restrict the ability of institutions to include subject matter experts and effectively evaluate faculty.
We believe higher education institutions and the SBHE should have the flexibility to govern themselves without interference from the Legislature.
Pension, Healthcare for Public Employees
Several state agencies’ salary budgets have received 3% increases for each year of the biennium. Several bills have advanced that would appropriate funds to the unfunded liability for the PERS defined-benefit plan, which the 2023 Legislature closed to new employees.
For example, HB 1234 would transfer $135 million from the strategic investment and improvements fund to the PERS pension plan
The Senate passed SB 2160, which would require the NDPERS health insurance plan to include Affordable Care Act large employer group mandated coverage Several new preventative services will be covered with no cost-sharing responsibilities for state active members and non-Medicare retiree members, including the following:
100% coverage for breast pumps
Expanded coverage for childcare wellness visits
Contraceptive medications regardless of formulary status
Tobacco cessation
Colonoscopies
Cancer screenings without any service limits.
Previously, these services were either not fully covered or had restrictions. Our concern with this bill is that would open the door for future Legislatures to require employees to pay health insurance premiums (currently, these groups do not pay premiums).
In fact, an amendment to introduce employee premium payments was added but later removed. Members on Political Subdivisions’ plans and the Medicare population will not see changes to coverage. For more details about SB 2160, refer to NDPERS Executive Director Rebecca Fricke’s neutral testimony
Additionally, the House also passed HB 1283, which provides free diagnostic breast examinations and supplemental breast examinations for employees on NDPERS healthcare plans.
Book Bans
In 2023, the Legislature passed a bill requiring the removal of sexually explicit content from children’s sections of public libraries.
Now, SB 2307 would expand that law to include school libraries It would require libraries to review their catalogue, and a library found to be in violation would have 10 days to comply or the library could lose state funding as a result The bill also allows a state’s attorney to prosecute for failure to comply. It passed the Senate by a vote of 2720.
School Bathrooms
HB 1144 would prevent K-12 public schools from having all-gender bathrooms, including single-occupancy all-gender bathrooms.
It also would prevent male and female restrooms from sharing a communal sink It would require the attorney general to investigate any reports of violations and courts could fine schools in non-compliance up to $2,500.
Several legislators have expressed concerns that this could cost their local school districts millions of dollars The House passed HB 1144 by a vote of 73-18
Looking Forward: ND4PS
North Dakota United is part of a brand-new coalition aimed at protecting and strengthening public education in North Dakota: North Dakotans for Public Schools will fight against harmful policies like voucher schemes that divert resources away from public schools.
The coalition brings together educators, parents, school boards and concerned citizens to amplify the voices of those who understand the critical role public schools play in shaping the future of North Dakota’s children and communities
Follow them on Facebook and sign up for updates online, and encourage your network to do the same!
North Dakota United tracks dozens of bills.
If there’s one you’re curious about that we didn’t mention, or you have a question about our coverage, please reach out to legislative@ndunited org
Thank you for your membership and for helping us fight for students, educators and public employees
LOBBY DAY RECAP: Showing Up, Speaking Out
North Dakota United had an excellent turnout for our Lobby Day on Monday, Feb. 17.
Approximately 43 educators and public employees met in Bismarck for a 24-hour whirlwind of legislative activity We learned from each other, we had conversations with our legislators, and hopefully we made an impact on decisions being made that affect our lives.
‘Lobby Day’ is actually a bit of a misnomer –it began not on Monday morning, but with a day for training and networking on Sunday evening. A lot was packed into those few hours First, Executive Director Chad Oban and President Nick Archuleta filled our members in about the bills we’re keeping a close eye on and in some cases fighting against.
ND United members make a powerful statement at Capitol.
JOEL CRANE Press Secretary
Some of those spotlighted were the six voucher bills that would use public dollars to pay for private school tuition (which were introduced under the more palatable term of “education savings accounts”); two bills that would establish public charter schools; bills that would provide free school meals for all of North Dakota’s students; and others.
They also highlighted some wins, including the bill that would reduce the lifetime teacher licensure requirement from 30 years to 20 years, which passed in the House and next heads to the Senate.
Also joining us on Sunday were two legislators: House Minority Leader Zac Ista (D-Grand Forks) and Assistant Senate Minority Leader Josh Boschee (D-Fargo).
They shared their takes on some of the bills (good and bad) the Legislature has been grappling with. Also on Sunday night, NDU members workshopped what they would say to legislators once they got the chance, and on Monday morning, they arrived at the Capitol ready to do just that.
Monday morning, many members attended hearings in the Senate and House Education committees before an hour-long Q&A session with the House Education Committee.
This is the second time we’ve been given the opportunity to speak with this committee, and our members took the opportunity to share their opinions and powerful testimony on bills that will directly affect them: especially vouchers, school meals, and K-12 funding
One highlight of the Q&A was when 2024-25 ESP of the Year Laurie Mahrer stepped up to the microphone.
Mahrer, a speech language pathology assistant at Custer Elementary School in Mandan, shared the difficulties that our Education Support Professionals face, especially with low pay and dealing with students with behavioral issues
Another highlight was when 2024 ND Teacher of the Year Sheila Peterson, of Wachter Middle School in Bismarck, shared several stories demonstrating the danger of implementing school vouchers in North Dakota. She also told stories about her colleagues, one of whom works three jobs because his career as a teacher doesn’t pay enough
Our members also spoke to various media outlets, discussing the dangers of eliminating tenure in higher education, adopting a voucher scheme, banning library books, and pay for public employees (you can listen to those conversations here and here).
For example, on that final point, Dana Henry, an accountant with the state Information Technology Department, told Prairie Public that the current proposal, which includes three percent raises for state workers for each year of the coming biennium, is simply not enough to properly recruit and retain quality employees in the public workforce.
NDU’s Lobby Day is over, but there is still much to do during the rest of the session: many bad bills to defeat, several good bills to get past the finish line.
Thank you to those who attended this year, for making a difference by making your voices heard.
ESP OF THE YEAR FINALISTS:
‘Heart and Soul’
Hillsboro school secretary Brenda Muller earns moment in the spotlight for always being willing to help, students & colleagues alike.
KELLY HAGEN Communications Director
“When someone is described as the “heart and soul” of a place, it likely means that person is pretty important to getting things done, there It’s telling, then, how often that phrase comes up when you’re talking to people about Hillsboro Elementary School secretary, Brenda Muller, who is a finalist for our 2025-26 Education Support Professional of the Year state award.
“In the many roles she fulfills, Brenda has proven herself to be an indispensable part of our school community, going above and beyond in ways that are truly remarkable,” Ashley Podoll, the copresident of Hillsboro Education Association and classroom teacher, wrote in her nomination letter for Muller. “She is the heart and soul of our school, and we are incredibly fortunate to have her as part of our team.”
“Inthemanyrolesshefulfills, Brendahasprovenherselfto beanindispensablepartof ourschoolcommunity,going aboveandbeyondinways thataretrulyremarkable.”
Muller was selected as one of three finalists for this year’s award The staff at Hillsboro decided to surprise her with a special ceremony in the school’s gymnasium on Feb 13, which was attended by just about everyone who knows and loves her in Hillsboro, including students from every grade, fellow staff members and educators, administrators and her family members.
“When (Hillsboro Superintendent) Mr. Dryburgh called me and had this idea to do this assembly, I think my first thing I said to you is she’s going to hate it,” said Hillsboro Elementary Principal Spencer Ruebke, in his remarks at the ceremony.
“And you said, ‘I know.’ So, Brenda, thank you for being a good sport. I know how much you love the spotlight and surprises.”
“I had no clue it was coming,” Muller said, after the ceremony. “It was a total surprise. So, (I feel) very honored. … Seeing all the kids, it was just overwhelming emotions. … It's just that feeling you get from the kids. There's just nothing like it, just the camaraderie and getting to know the kids and their families, everything they go through, being there for them (for the) ups, downs, all that. It's just great. I just love the kids.”
“Inthemanyrolesshefulfills, Brendahasprovenherselfto beanindispensablepartof ourschoolcommunity,going aboveandbeyondinways thataretrulyremarkable.”
“Stand up if Brenda has ever helped you get a Band Aid,” Hillsboro Superintendent Jon Dryburgh asked the assembled crowd.
Almost all the students stood up After the audience sat down, Dryburgh asked them to “stand up if Brenda has ever given you ice.”
Again, they stood. He continued like this for just a few of the many tasks that Muller does for students (and some colleagues) each day in her 27-year career in Hillsboro, including things like having Brenda call home for them when they’re sick, grabbing one piece (or more) of candy out of the bowl she keeps in the office, or feeling like Brenda “knew more than the principal.” Each time, it was nearly standing room, only.
Before becoming superintendent in Hillsboro, Dryburgh was the elementary principal alongside Muller for 11 years, and came to know her as the first person he would turn to whenever he had a question.
“Anything that needs to be done, she just is willing to do it,” he said. “Sometimes I talk to my staff about love languages, and I'm guessing her love language is acts of service, because that's what she does all day long, acts of service ”
Ruebke agreed, saying that he is still very new to the school as this is his first year as elementary principal in Hillsboro, but that Muller has oftentimes made that transition much easier
I, being new to the school and to the community, she's just got that knowledge about everything and everyone,” he said. “I mean, any student I have a question about, she knows the students, she knows their parents She knows where they live, (and) she knows which bus they get on.”
Every school would benefit from having someone like Muller on staff, according to Podoll “What truly sets Brenda apart, however, is her incredible character,” Podoll said. “She is the epitome of humility, always putting others first without seeking recognition for her countless contributions. … She’s a true team player who does whatever it takes to make our school a better place, and she does so with a heart full of compassion and dedication.”
“(Brenda)istheepitomeof humility,alwaysputting othersfirstwithoutseeking recognitionforhercountless contributions.”
Likewise, Muller said that her colleagues in education over the years have been helpful to her, so she just tries to pay back that kindness with her own “It's the best,” Muller said about her colleagues “(We’ve) had a lot of staff (and) seen a lot of staff over the years. But they're always there for me as I am for them. And that's what makes us a good team.”
Register for ESP Conference
EDITOR’S NOTE: The 2025-26 ND United Education Support Professional of the Year will be announced at our upcoming ESP Conference in Bismarck on April 5 Register now by clicking the button above and gain access to cutting-edge insights, expert-led workshops and a vibrant community dedicated to enhancing your skills and passion for education It's free to attend!
‘A
Heart of Gold’
Joan Hall, instructional aide at Myrhe Elementary in Bismarck, recognized at awards ceremony forr always going above & beyond.
KELLY HAGEN Communications Director
At the start of the day on Friday, Feb 28, the students at Myhre Elementary School in Bismarck have all gathered in their gymnasium to honor someone who is very special to them Joan Hall, an instructional aide at Myrhe for the past 25 years, is being honored as a finalist for the title of 2025-26 North Dakota United Education Support Professional of the Year.
First, a number of students took turns reading from congratulator notes they had written for Hall. “Ms. Joan always puts a smile on my face during recess,” one student said, adding, “She is very helpful in keeping us safe and solving problems.” Another shared, “Ms. Joan is kind and caring. She’s very nice. I’m glad she won this award. Congratulations, Ms. Joan.”
“Ms.Joanalwaysputsasmile onmyfaceduringrecess. Sheisveryhelpfulinkeeping ussafeandsolving problems.”
After the students spoke, one of Hall’s coworkers, friends and the parent of one of the students she works with at Myrhe, Harlan Stewart, read from the nomination letter he sent on her behalf “Joan Hall is an exceptional person in every sense,” he said. “She works with students who can be challenging even my own child at times and does so with remarkable patience and grace. She connects with students on their level, taking the time to understand them. Her voice carries authority, yet remains gentle and kind, creating an environment where students feel supported.”
Hall is one of three finalists for this year’s award, and she received a certificate acknowledging her achievement plus other gifts at her ceremony from ND United President Nick Archuleta. “Everybody that's been in education knows that these schools don't run without Education Support Professionals, and you have the best right here at your school,” Archuleta said. “Back when I was becoming a teacher, I was student teaching and the guy that was my mentor teacher sat me down, and he said, ‘Alright, ask me any question that you want to.’
And I said, ‘What didn't I learn in college?’ And he said, ‘Make friends with the Education Support Professionals; they’ll make you seem a lot smarter than you really are ’
And that’s true. Ms. Joan is the epitome of that, and you’re very lucky to have her. And we’re very happy here at North Dakota United to help her on her way and acknowledge her as being a finalist for the Education Support Professional of the Year in North Dakota.”
“Makefriendswiththe EducationSupport Professionals;they’llmake youseemalotsmarterthan youreallyare.Andthat’s true.Ms.Joanistheepitome ofthat,andyou’reverylucky tohaveher.”
Hall finished the ceremony by thanking everyone who attended, including Myrhe administrators, teachers and staff, Bismarck Superintendent Jeff Fastnacht, school board members and, most importantly, the students. “I just want to say thank you so much,” Hall said “I am honored to be nominated I love my job, and I love all of you.”
Afterward, Hall told us in an interview how much she appreciates everything, and she shared the reason that she’s excited to show up for work each day for the past 25 years. “It's definitely the kids!” she said. “I mean, they're just full of love and need consistency, and, you know, nurturing that they may not get at home I love kids, to begin with, and so that's why I'm here It's the kids It really is ”
Myrhe Principal Kimberly Harman spoke on camera afterward about the tremendous impact she regularly sees Hall have with everyone at the school
“No one deserves it more than Ms Joan,” Herman said. “She is absolutely just amazing with the kids.
And it's not even (just) the kids she works with, it's everyone around her She just has a heart of gold. … Even with the staff, her colleagues, everyone just loves being around her.”
In some additional comments that Stewart wrote about Hall in his nomination for her, he said that Hall has that intangible quality about her that people know she is someone who will listen to them, in good times or bad, and always gives her support.
“Joan's care for others is truly remarkable,” he said. “I've seen her offer a comforting hug or a listening ear to fellow staff members during tough moments, whether related to work or personal struggles She draws from her own experiences to lend support wherever she can.”
“Joan'scareforothersistruly remarkable.I'veseenher offeracomfortinghugora listeningeartofellowstaff membersduringtough moments,whetherrelated toworkorpersonal struggles.”
Hall said she receives that same level of support from her colleagues, in return, and that being selected as a finalist for ESP of the Year has made her feel more confident and appreciated for the great work she does, every day
“It's a huge, huge confidence boost,” Hall said. “I mean, when there are rough days, you wonder, ‘Am I doing the right thing? ... Have I forgotten this or that?’ Or, you know, ‘Am I doing the right thing for this student or that student?’ And to have this nomination, it just gives me tons of confidence. And, you know, (it) just kind of reassures me that, yeah, I am doing the right thing.”
ESP
‘A
Difference Maker’
Grand Forks para at South Middle School, Laurie Holcomb, honored at award ceremony for 27 years of compassion and care for students.
KELLY HAGEN
Communications Director
Walking into the lunchroom at South Middle School in Grand Forks early in the afternoon on Wednesday, March 12, 27-year paraeducator Laurie Holcomb said she had no idea what was about to happen
“My principal had called me on Friday night and told me that I needed to be to a mandatory meeting on RTI (Response to Intervention),” Holcomb said, “and since I am part of the team leaders for the support staff, I said, ‘Sure, I'll make sure I'm there.’ I didn't have anything else going on because this was an early out for us today.”
And so, she didn’t notice that there was a cake, decorations, a few friends from the Grand Forks Education Association executive team and staff from North Dakota United, Grand Forks Superintendent Terry Brenner, and multiple family members present for a surprise award ceremony, in honor of Holcomb being named a finalist for the 2025-26 NDU Education Support Professional award.
“I actually didn't suspect anything until my name was called,” Holcomb said “I didn't see my family come in I was busy talking to people at the table with me, and I had just pulled up my computer to the RTI information stuff that we were supposed to be talking about at our 1:15 meeting. … And then, I'm looking out and I spot my mom, and then the table of my family, and then my husband and then my older son, and the exec board for GFEA. And it's like, oh my gosh, everybody is here.”
Holcomb was nominated for this year’s award by her friend and former co-worker Jennifer Olson, and her letter was read to the assembled crowd.
“(Laurie)interactswithher studentsinalovingand compassionatemanner,all thewhilemaintaininghigh expectationsfortheir success.”
“Laurie is confident and competent in working with staff members and everyone she comes in contact with,” Olson wrote. “She interacts with her students in a loving and compassionate manner, all the while maintaining high expectations for their success. … Laurie is a difference maker!"
Holcomb first started working as a para 27 years ago at Valley Middle School in Grand Forks because of her role as a parent “What first got me into the profession is that I'm a mom of seven kids, and so I needed to find something that would fit into their schedules,” she said.
She first found out about job openings working as a para before her twins started kindergarten and were going to Head Start. “As soon as my kids got into … full-time kindergarten, I’m not a person to just sit at home and do nothing So, I applied to be a para and got the job right away.”
Coming into the job, she admits that she felt under-qualified to work with kids with learning disabilities at first, but the principal who hired her assured her that all of the experience she had gained from being a mom was what really counted. “We just needs somebody to help and guide them,” Holcomb said she was told that day, and something inside her clicked.
“It was like I found my niche,” Holcomb said. “I love kids, I love working with kids. And that's basically what gets me up every day, the kids, (and) coming back to know that I can maybe make a difference in one or two of their lives.”
Briane Lowe, the associate principal at South, said Holcomb is incredible at her job, and that her colleagues often look to her for guidance. “I've worked with Laurie here, in my six years at South Middle School, pretty closely,” Lowe said
“She's a leader, amongst all of our staff Anytime we have a new para, we always pair them up with Laura. She knows a lot and is very well-rounded. … You couldn’t have picked a more deserving person for the nomination ”
“Ilovekids,Iloveworking withkids.Andthat's basicallywhatgetsmeup everyday,thekids,(and) comingbacktoknowthatI canmaybemakea differenceinoneortwoof theirlives.”
Principal Travis Neal agreed, saying that Laurie “is a hard-working, wonderful person,” and a great example of all of the important work that ESPs do for their schools and for students. “When thinking about a school, most people right away think about teachers,” Neal said, “which they're very important. But when you get down to it, a lot of the people on the front lines are our paraprofessionals, our administrative assistants up front who greet kids as soon as they come in, and families, when they come in, the paraprofessionals who are working with the kids every single day Not only academically, but with social-emotional things. So, yeah, they are definitely the heart of the building.”
Holcomb recognizes how invaluable all of our hard-working ESPs are, and she said she’s humbled to be among the finalists for this award. “It's definitely a team effort,” she said, “for me to even get this award. I feel like maybe I'm not as deserving. I think that, I mean, it's I, I it's hard to take no for, applause or positive things when we're used to … I'm used to giving that to somebody else and not necessarily receiving (that) all the time. But it's an amazing feeling.”
Dismantling the Department of Education Will Harm ND Students
LEAH DEKREY Digital Director
Educators and parents in North Dakota should take action against dismantling the Department of Education. Here's why.
In a widely expected move, President Donald Trump cut nearly 50% of staff to dismantle the U S Department of Education (ED).
There has been a series of moves meant to destabilize public schools and target some of our most vulnerable students They include stripping schools of critical funding, launching national school voucher programs, and providing more funding and less oversight for private charter operators.
Dismantling the Department of Education will have a profound and far-reaching impact on North Dakota schools, the full extent of which we cannot yet fully comprehend. But, according to the Department of Education, in 2024 North Dakota students received over $162 million in federal funding
Here's a breakdown regarding the funding ND students would stand to lose annually:
DID YOU KNOW?
North Dakota students receive approximately $162 million in federal funding from the Department of Education annually.
This funding helps support rural education grants, special education programs, and the 260 Title I schools across the state
$52.5 million in grants to local educational agencies (ESA, Title 1, Part A)
$3.5 million in state assessments (ESEA Title I, Part B)
$10 5 million in grants supporting effective instruction (ESEA Title II, Part A)
$6.5 million in state grants for community learning centers
$1.58 million in rural education grants
$2 8 million in Indian education grants
$36 3 million in impact aid (ESEA Title VII)
$360,000 in education funding for homeless children
$39 million in state special education grants
$900,000 in grants for special education in preschools
$2.6 million in grants for families with disabled infants
$5.9 million for career & technical education
Children with Disabilities
As of the 2022-2023 school year, approximately 17,700 students in North Dakota public schools were identified as having disabilities, accounting for 14.9% of the state's public school enrollment.
In recent years, North Dakota has typically received around $40–50 million annually from the Department of Education in IDEA Part B grants, which support special education services for children aged 3–21
Low-income Assistance
As of the 2023-2024 school year, approximately 30% of North Dakota public school students over 42,000 children were participating in Title I programs.
42,000studentsinNorth Dakotapublicschools participateinTitleI programs.
To address the needs of these students, 260 schools in North Dakota are designated as Title I schools, meaning they receive federal funding to support educational programs for students from low-income families Title I schools use these funds to provide additional resources such as tutoring, instructional materials, and teacher training, with the goal of improving academic outcomes and ensuring equitable opportunities for all students
The U.S. Department of Education provides critical funding to North Dakota through programs like Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), which is designed to improve academic achievement in high-poverty schools.
In the 2021-2022 school year, North Dakota received $3,500 of federal funding per K-12 public school student That amounts to 18 7% of total funding, or one in every five dollars of public schools funding.
This funding is distributed to school districts across the state to help cover the costs of providing individualized education programs (IEPs), specialized instruction, mental health interventions, educator training, and technology improvements for students with disabilities
These funds are distributed to school districts to support initiatives such as supplemental instruction, early childhood education, teacher professional development, and family engagement programs
Additionally, the Department of Education administers the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which allows schools in highpoverty areas to offer free meals to all students, ensuring that low-income children have access to nutritious food a key factor in academic success.
These programs play a vital role in helping our low-income students, helping to close achievement gaps and provide equitable opportunities for success.
ND Schools Need the Department of Education
Public education isn’t just a system it’s the foundation of opportunity for thousands of North Dakotans
Right now, that foundation is being chipped away by cuts, privatization schemes, and attacks on the Department of Education.
Thisisn’taboutpolitics.It isn’taboutLeftorRight.It’s aboutthereallivesofNorth Dakotans.
It’s about the 30% of North Dakota kids who attend rural schools, who rely on federal funding to keep classrooms open.
It’s about the 17,700 students with disabilities in ND, who rely on federal funding for specialized instruction and mental health services.
It’s about the 35,000 low-income kids in ND who depend on federal Title I programs for the resources they need to succeed in school.
We can’t dismantle what generations have built We can’t let legislators tell us there’s no money for schools while they hand out tax breaks to corporations.
This is where we draw the line. Show up. Speak out Because if we don’t fight for public education, who will?
News & Notes
Negotiations Update
By now, the majority of our local associations have entered (or are close to entering) full-fledged negotiations with their school boards As negotiation season continues, remember the following:
Keep in close communication with your NDU Field Consultant.
The more informed and engaged NDU staff are throughout the negotiations process, the more helpful we can be It’s always better to be proactive, rather than reactive Communicate with your field consultant early and often
Engage in the negotiations process.
There is a role for each member to play in the negotiations process. The more active and engaged our membership is, the more power we hold to make and influence decisions.
Respond to surveys, attend member meetings, and observe negotiations sessions they are open, public meetings. Share what you’re seeing, hearing, and learning with your fellow NDU members.
Negotiations start at the Legislature.
Our school districts and local education associations can negotiate salary, benefits, and working conditions, but it’s important to remember that districts receive funding determined by the Legislature Your vote affects school funding, which has a direct impact on your your salary
Join NDU Today – No Payments Until Next School Year!
Are you an educator or public employee in North Dakota? Now is the perfect time to join ND United and become part of a strong, united voice for public education and public service with no payments until the next school year
Earn $50 for Every New Member You Refer.
Already a member? Help grow our movement by sharing this opportunity with your colleagues! For every new member you refer, you’ll receive a $50 reward. More members mean a stronger voice for public education and public service in North Dakota!
Take the Next Step.
Now is the time to amplify your voice and strengthen North Dakota’s public schools and services Join NDU today and enjoy the benefits of membership without payments until next school year!
Political Action, Get Involved!
Whether or not you want to pay attention to politics, your working conditions as a public employee are being determined by politicians.
Vice President - Public Employees
Many public employees say they do not want to be involved in politics, and they just want to do their jobs I have felt the same myself, but as a public employee, we are involved in politics every day, no matter if we like it or not.
During the 2023 legislative session, the bill closing the NDPERS defined-benefit pension plan just did not make sense when you looked at the facts. It seemed that the facts just did not matter to our lawmakers and a disinterested public, and no matter how many emails, calls or in-person conversations were had with legislators, it just did not matter This legislative session has been more of the same with legislators ignoring the voices of the majority of North Dakotans.
Still, it's important that we stay engaged and continue advocating for issues important to public employees and working families of North Dakota. You and I can make a difference, and legislators need to hear what is important to us and the people we serve
We must also work to change the makeup of the Legislature by working to elect legislators that support our values The political landscape has changed in North Dakota We need a Legislature that works for the common good and respects all citizens of North Dakota.
You have a role in bringing that change. If you are not contributing to North Dakota United’s political action committee, UPAC, I encourage you to get into the game by making an annual or monthly contribution. North Dakota United dues cannot be used to financially support candidates running for office, but UPAC can!
If we all make a voluntary UPAC contribution, we will have the resources to support candidates and defend elected officials at the state and local level who support our union values. A small contribution by all of us will enable change and return North Dakota to being a place where facts and common sense still matter.
The 2025 session is at the midpoint, and we must have our voices heard Do not give up! Stay in the fight even when it may feel like it does not matter. We need to double our efforts by having conversations with our co-workers, family and friends on those issues important to public employees and all citizens of North Dakota
All voices matter and must be heard. Become engaged by making a voluntary contribution to UPAC to make a difference
GARY FEIST
North Dakota United-Retired Book Club
North Dakota United-Retired is proud to launch a Retired Book Club series for 2025. The book club for retired union educators serves as a vibrant community where educators can continue to engage intellectually and socially
Each session, members gather to explore a diverse selection of literature, spanning genres and themes that resonate with their shared experiences and interests. Discussions are rich and reflective, allowing participants to draw from their vast wealth of knowledge and perspectives gained throughout their careers.
This club not only fosters a love for reading but also strengthens connections among members, offering a supportive environment that encourages lifelong learning and camaraderie in a meaningful post-retirement chapter.
Upcoming NDU-R Book Clubs:
Blood Runs Coal: The Yablonski Murders and the Battle for the United Mine Workers of America
Starts April 28, 2025
The most infamous crimes in the history of American labor unions, the Yablonski murders catalyzed the first successful rank-and-file takeover of a major labor union.
Behind Her Eyes
Starts Aug. 4, 2025
The book club is free for NDU-R members, and costs $25/book selection for non-members. Each Book club lasts for 6 weeks, with 3 Zoom discussion sessions being held every other week at 4:30 p m central Register today by contacting Amy Flicek at amy flicek@ndunited org or 701220-4813.
A novel that takes the modern day love triangle and not only turns it on its head, but completely reinvents it in a way that will leave readers reeling in an eerie thriller.
The Women
Starts Oct. 6, 2025
“The Women” is the story of one woman gone to war, but it shines a light on all women whose sacrifice and commitment to their country has too often been forgotten A novel about deep friendships and bold patriotism, “The Women” is a richly drawn story with a memorable heroine
SARAH KEISER Special Projects Coordinator
NDU Delegate Assembly to be Held in April
Join with fellow union members to network, learn and vote on our future.
The 2025 North Dakota United Delegate Assembly will convene at the ND Gateway to Science, Innovation Room, in Bismarck on Saturday, April 12, at 8:30 a.m. At the Assembly, members will participate in the governance decisions of ND United, elect state officers and delegates to the NEA Representative Assembly, reignite old friends, create new ones, and hear from national leaders on issues important to our members
Each local is guaranteed at least one representative. Larger locals are allowed one delegate per 50 members or major fraction thereof Local presidents should make every effort to have their local represented at the Delegate Assembly.
The current officers eligible for reelection: Nick Archuleta, President; Alicia D Bata, Vice President-Education; Gary Feist, Vice President-Public Employees; and a new NEA Director, Kala Christensen, are all running unopposed and will be automatically elected to their respective positions. Kala will take office on Sept 1, 2025 Brenda Seehafer is in her second and final term as NEA Director
The NEA RA delegate positions will also be automatically elected, since they have also submitted valid petitions They are Alicia D Bata, Kala Christensen, Hannah Erickson, Dawn Hintz, Angel Lindseth, Crystal Michels, Alexis Rasset and Michelle Strand.
A 2024 Bylaw change was passed regarding election of NEA Delegates. It was necessary to align NDU’s election procedures with the NEA’s. Election from the floor of the DA is no longer allowed, so the above eight delegates make up the 2025 North Dakota delegation along with President Archuleta.
2025 DA GUEST SPEAKER
SARA SNEED
Sara Sneed has been President and CEO of the NEA Foundation since 2019, following 18 years at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, where she led education investments and efforts to close opportunity gaps.
Under her leadership, the NEA Foundation has expanded its focus on racial and educational equity, educator leadership, and community partnerships Throughout her career, she has developed grant programs, advocated for policy changes, and supported initiatives that strengthen schools and student success.
Motion to Elect Candidates to be Held at Delegate Assembly
NICK ARCHULETA
North Dakota United will be officially electing the officers and delegates to the NEA RA at the NDU Delegate Assembly.
All of the officer candidates are running unopposed and there cannot be nominations from the floor for RA delegates, therefore all will be elected by acclamation
ND United President 2025 ELECTION BIO FOR PRESIDENT:
Nick Archuleta has proudly served as the President of North Dakota United since 2013.
Prior to being elected ND United president, Archuleta worked as a Spanish teacher at Century High School in Bismarck, a summer school History teacher at Bismarck High School, and as a Spanish and Social Sciences teacher in LeRoy, MN
He graduated from Valley City State University having earned a bachelor’s degree with a double major in History and Spanish. Archuleta also earned an Advanced Professional Education master’s degree from the University of North Dakota.
In his capacity as NDU president, Archuleta oversees the overall governance of the organization He works closely with both NEA and AFT regarding their relationships with our state affiliate He serves as the organization’s spokesperson, as well as its chief lobbyist
Archuleta meets frequently with stakeholder groups such as NDU locals, school boards, the governor's office, state legislators, and a variety of organizations whose goals and missions intersect those of North Dakota United. He also serves on various boards and commissions within the state and nationally. For example, Archuleta serves on the ND Indian Education Advisory Council, the K-12 Coordination Council, and the Prairie Public Broadcasting Board of Directors. Nationally, Archuleta has served on several committees, including the NEA Human and Civil Rights Committee, the AFT Teacher and Staff Shortage Task Force, the National Council of State Education Associations, and is the current Chairman of the NEA Foundation
ALICIA BATA
Vice President - Education
2025 ELECTION BIO FOR VICE PRESIDENTEDUCATION:
Alicia D. Bata teaches for the Valley-Edinburg school district on interactive television to high school students in Edinburg, Park River and Grafton schools.
She was elected and served as the National Education Association (NEA) Director for N.D. for two terms. She was appointed by NEA’s president to serve on the Human and Civil Rights Committee in Washington, D.C., also for two terms. She was selected to participate in the Magna Carta Human Rights Project by NEA, in conjunction with the National Union of Teachers (NUT) in England She was voted by her peers on the NEA Board to be a delegate representing the U S at the World Congress of Education in South Africa Bata is a National Trainer on the NEA Cultural Competence team
Bata was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Her first university degree was as a Literary English/Spanish Translator (Universidad del Salvador, Buenos Aires). She received her Bachelor of Arts degree, teaching certificate, ESL/Bilingual endorsement, and Master of Science degree in Education with a cognate in Bilingual Education from the University of North Dakota. She is married to a N.D. farmer, Bill, and has four children and four grandchildren.
GARY FEIST
Vice President - Public Employees
2025 ELECTION BIO FOR VICE PRESIDENTPUBLIC EMPLOYEES:
Gary Feist has been a tax auditor for the Office of State Tax Commissioner for the last 30 years, and currently works in the corporate income tax section He served as president of the North Dakota Public Employees Association for 12 years and is the current president of the North Dakota Public Employees statewide local.
He has held the office of NDU Vice President for Public Employees since 2013 and also serves as Vice Chair of AFT Public Employee Program and Policy Council. He is married, with three daughters, and lives in Bismarck.
2025 ELECTION BIO FOR NEA DIRECTOR AND NEA RA DELEGATE
Kala Christensen was born in Oak Harbor, WA With her father serving in the Navy, she began her education at a DOD school on a naval base in California. After his retirement, her family moved to Bottineau, ND, where she later graduated from Bottineau High School in 2003.
KALA CHRISTENSEN
NEA Director Candidate & 2025 NEA RA Delegate
She went on to attend Jamestown College, earning a double major in elementary education and Spanish while actively participating in SNDEA and the band.
Kala began her teaching career in Lakota, ND, where she spent five years teaching high school Spanish and 6th grade general education In 2014, she completed a Master of Education in elementary education while teaching World Languages at the Grand Forks Air Force Base
Currently, she teaches 7th grade ELA at Valley Middle School and plays an active role in her local education association as membership co-chair, negotiator, and member organizer.
NEA RA DELEGATES
Dawn Hintz, a math teacher at Bismarck High School, is a candidate for delegate to represent North Dakota United at the 2025 NEA Representative Assembly in Portland, OR, this summer.
Hintz serves as a building rep at BHS, an alternate to the Bismarck Education Associationts resolutions committee, and has previously attended NEA RA’s in Chicago, Ill., and Orlando, Fla. Originally from Minot, Hintz is a third-generation educator. All of her farnily's educators attended Minot State University. She just applied for her ND lifetime teaching certificate She is married to Dave, who works as a medical equipment field technician Their daughter, Amanda, works in Fargo and graduated from North Dakota State University with a degree in Ag Business Their son, Cameron, will graduate from Bismarck State College with a degree in Cyber Security.
NEA RA DELEGATES
Angel Lindseth is a school counselor for the Hope-Page School District in eastern ND. Angel received her bachelor’s degree from VCSU in Elementary Education and Psychology and her master’s degree from the University of Mary in School Counseling and currently she is working on her Educational Leadership doctoral degree.
Angel and her husband live in Page, ND Together they have a blended family with six adult children and one grandchild They enjoy going to sporting events, traveling, and relaxing at their lake home during the summer months Angel was elected to the NDU Board of Directors to represent K-12 less than 600
Crystal Michels was born and educated in North Dakota She holds two bachelor’s degrees from Minot State University and a master’s degree from Bowling Green State University in Ohio
She teaches English and coaches Competitive Speech, winning teacher of the year in her district in 2023. Aside from teaching, Crystal sits in the MSU Summer Theatre Board as their president and serves as the membership coordinator for her local association. She is married to another teacher, Aaron, and they have two children, Tanner, and Xylia.
CRYSTAL MICHELS
Alexis Rasset, has been an educator since 2016. Prior to her educator role, she was a Special Education Support Professional for three and a half years. Rasset has been active in her local union as a building rep, served on the hospitality committee, and as President-Elect. She is also active at the state level, attending six NDU Delegate Assemblies, lobbying at the Capitol, joining a special education collective, and serving on the NDU Board of Directors as the Southwest Region Director for the Iast four years She is also a union participant at the national level, including many NEA Representative Assemblies, AFT TEACH, and NEA Leadership Conference. ALEXIS RASSET
ANGEL LINDSETH
NEA RA DELEGATES
Michelle Strand, a science teacher at Fargo South High School, serves as the K-12 Greater than 600 Director on the NDU Board of Directors She is a member of the ND United GROW Team and also serves on the Governance Committee and the At-Large Position for the Fargo Education Association Executive Board.
Strand was born in California as an “Air Force brat,” and said her family moved around a lot in her first few years. She spent most of her K-12 years in the F-M area. She has taught in Minnesota, Nebraska, and North Dakota in both public and private high schools as well as community colleges. This is her 31st year of teaching science, and she is currently at Fargo South High School Strand was a recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching for North Dakota in 2017, and she is a National Board Certified teacher for high school science In 2022, she was selected as one of 11 STEM teachers from across the country as an Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow.
She says it was a great honor to be the first North Dakota teacher selected for this honor in the 33 years of the program.
MICHELLE STRAND
Photo of 2024 ND United Delegate Assembly, which was held at Gateway to Science in Bismarck last year. NEA Vice President Princess Moss is shown, giving the keynote address.
Collective Approach to Special Education
KELLY HAGEN Communications Director
The North Dakota United Special Education Collective is an online group that was started in 2023 as a collaboration between our staff and members who work in the field of special education services to students in our state. At its onset, one of the key driving forces for the collective’s creation was Amber Haskell, who was then a member of ND United and the Grand Forks Education Association and had worked for over a decade in the field, teaching in ND and a couple of districts in the state of Minnesota
“I was very involved with Education Minnesota and was a member of EdMN’s Special Education Task Force for a couple of years,” Haskell said. “This group was very involved with the Legislature and advocating for special educators.” So, she brought her experiences with Minnesota’s Special Education Task Force with her as a member of our union, and when Haskell was hired by NDU as a field consultant in early 2024, she took up the responsibility of leading the group she helped create
“Jared (Adams) and I had discussed my experience with EdMN, when he was field consultant for the NE region,” Haskell said “Our collective goal was to increase the understanding of administrators, legislators and our communities as to the various impacts that heavy workloads have on special educators. Offering Band-Aid solutions to the plight of special educators is not sufficient to keep them in the field.”
Online group allows special education teachers and staff to network, collaborate and make positive change for the students in need of help.
“Beingabletocollaborate, celebratesuccessesand commiseratechallenges withotherspecialeducation teachershasalwaysbeen veryvaluableforme throughoutmycareer.”
Any NDU member working in special education is welcome to join the collective, Haskell said. Emails with a meeting registration link are sent out at least monthly to a list of more than 600 members compiled from our membership data and previous event registrations Zoom meetings are held the third Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p m
Jessica Nolz, a special education strategist for Grand Forks Public Schools the past 11 years, said she first heard about the Special Education Collective last year and thought it would be useful to her. “Being able to collaborate, celebrate successes and commiserate challenges with other special education teachers has always been very valuable for me throughout my career,” Nolz said “I was thrilled to see that there would be such a group at a statewide level ”
The collective has been busy of late on several projects, working alongside Haskell and NDU field consultant Matt Liebel. They first put
- Kristen Olson
together a Special Educator Retention Continuum and, realizing that contract language specific to special education is still needed in most of our state’s school districts, they have shared some sample language from ND and Minnesota school districts with local presidents.
Additionally, the group did a survey of special education teachers, paraprofessionals and related service providers, including occupational therapists, speech language pathologists, physical therapists and school psychologists.
Some of the findings they got from the 297 responses were:
86% report they currently feel overwhelmed by their special education workload
44% report they are considering leaving special education
78% report that the shortage of paraprofessionals adds stress to their jobs
85% report they know colleagues who have left special education
83% report their district is having difficulty filling special education positions
Our Special Education Collective has also been involved during this current legislative session Together with Rep Mary Schneider, the group collaborated on drafting HB 1530, a study bill to address major issues in the ecruitment, retention, pay disparities, duties and responsibilities for special education teachers in ND.
So far, HB 1530 has passed the ND House with significant support and waits for the Senate to consider it next. Members of the collective have been active in efforts to get this legislation across the finish line, with 11 special education teachers attending our Lobby Day and several providing written testimony in support
“It gave me hope to see this group take such a proactive approach in addressing the challenges within special education,” Nolz said. She’s regularly attended the monthly Zoom meetings and encourages any NDU members who work in special education to do so, too.
“Special education is challenging work,” she said, “work that no one should have to do alone It truly takes a village, and that’s exactly what the Special Education Collective offers It’s a chance to connect with fellow special education professionals, share successes and challenges, as well as create actionable steps to advocate for the resources, policies and support systems we –and our students – need.”
“Specialeducationis challengingwork.Workthat nooneshouldhavetodo alone.Ittrulytakesavillage, andthat’sexactlywhatthe SpecialEducationCollective offers.”
