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BRIDGE Update
Opportunities for Support
BRIDGE Open Office Hours: North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI) and project partners will now be holding general Office Hours on a weekly basis. Our next session is scheduled for next Wednesday, May 6, 12–1 p.m. CDT.
Data Migration/Validation Sessions: Project team members from NDDPI, Aurora Educational Technology (our data migration vendor), EduTech, and Regional Education Agencies (REAs) will be available on a weekly basis to assist districts with specific data questions & support. Our next session is scheduled for next Wednesday, May 6, 9–10 a.m. CDT.
ND K12 Identity / Authentication
NDDPI, in conjunction with North Dakota Information Technology (NDIT), EduTech, and district stakeholders, has created guidance to help manage the security of key K–12 education systems. This guidance has been shared with district leaders and technology coordinators. It explains the recommended identity and authentication methods for accessing the Infinite Campus Student Information System and other state-hosted tools such as SLDS, Ed Portal, and eTranscripts. It also outlines what responsibilities districts have within Infinite Campus and what support and services they can expect from the State.
If you haven’t yet received a notification to access this information, or if you have any questions regarding this guidance, please contact the BRIDGE team at bridge@nd.gov.
K-12 Solutions Demo Info
A group of Technology Leaders from the larger districts have coordinated a session on Wednesday, May 6, at 10 a.m. CDT, to demonstrate some add-on custom solutions for Infinite Campus that can assist districts with some key operational processes. These add-on solutions are developed and offered by K–12 Solutions, a third-party technical customization partner of Infinite Campus, at additional cost (they are not included in North Dakota’s licensing for Infinite Campus). Here are the planned topics of interest, and approximate schedule (all times are CDT):
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Title VI (Indigenous Ed) 10–10:15 a.m.
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Sub Teacher Update 10:15–10:30 a.m.
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504 Module 10:30–10:45 a.m.
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CheckMate 11:15–11:30 a.m.
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Student Search 12:15–12:30 p.m.
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Transportation Change Request 12:30–12:45 p.m.
If you would like to attend the demonstration, and learn more about these solutions and the operational processes they support, the Teams Meeting information for the demo is located here:
Thank you to the team at Bismarck Public Schools for arranging this discussion!
Ed Portal Solutions Update
North Dakota’s Ed Portal is a statewide portal jointly managed by NDDPI and NDIT. This portal provides a variety of user groups access to non-SIS solutions such as eTranscripts, Choice Ready, College Application, RUReady, BND Dual Credit Assistance Application, Scholarship Application, etc.
Below are updates on a few of the solutions accessible via the Ed Portal, including information about what will be remaining the same in the immediate term vs. what will look a little different with the transition to Infinite Campus SIS.
The existing Ed Portal-eTranscript solution and its current capabilities will remain available through, and including, June 2026. In addition, historical student transcript information can still be accessed via the legacy solution beyond June 2026.
Starting with the 2026–27 K12 academic year, and moving forward, Infinite Campus SIS will be the system used to generate new student High School transcripts. Prior to beginning of the 2026-27 K12 academic year, NDDPI will provide instructions for districts to appropriately configure transcript layout/formatting in their local Infinite Campus instance.
NDDPI is currently working closely with NDIT and North Dakota University System (NDUS) technical contacts to ensure student transcripts (PDFs) and raw transcript-related data remain accessible to Higher-Ed institutions in a similar fashion to today. More details on how the transcript request/distribution process may change for both K12 schools and Higher-Ed institutions will be made available when possible.
NDDPI expects the Choice Ready state reporting solution to remain accessible and functional for K12 staff via the Ed Portal. This includes the ability to bulk import Choice Ready-related data from local solutions that districts may be using. In the short-term, districts entering student data into the Choice Ready solution may experience fewer “blue cloud” fields which are currently auto-populated from other systems/locations. NDDPI and NDIT continue to work closely to limit the amount of manual data entry needed. More information on this will be shared when available.
NDDPI is also exploring options to make Choice Ready tracking at the local level as easy, and as standardized, as possible. That said, in the immediate term, districts are still responsible for owning and maintaining any localized solutions they’ve developed or adopted to manage Choice Ready data. This includes working with your Infinite Campus implementation team on any necessary interfaces with those solutions.
BND Dual Credit Application
No change. The BND Dual Credit Application will remain accessible via the Ed Portal for students to complete and submit to the Bank of North Dakota.
ND Scholarship Application
The North Dakota Academic Scholarship Application will no longer be accessible through the Ed Portal, after June 30, 2026. however, this application will remain available at this link for all students to complete and submit to NDDPI. There are currently two different applications in use. The decision to remove the application from the Ed Portal was made to simplify the process and provide a single data entry point for this process. We will continue to review options to make this link easily accessible by all students.
NDDPI is still evaluating the North Dakota Scholarship Progress Monitoring tool, and whether or not that will remain accessible and functional within the Ed Portal. More information will be shared when available.
NDDPI expects the RUReady application to be accessible via the Ed Portal interface just like today. That said, we are also reviewing options to link directly to RUReady from a student record in Infinite Campus. Either way, RUReady will still accept SIS authentication and prevent the user from having to log in separately.
NDDPI expects the Smart with My Money application to be accessible via the Ed Portal interface just like today. That said, we are also reviewing options to link directly to Smart with My Money from a student record in Infinite Campus. Either way, Smart with My Money will still accept SIS authentication and prevent the user from having to log in separately.
Infinite Campus Training
Infinite Campus uses the Infinite Classroom™ training approach, a dynamic, multi‑method model designed to support meaningful, practical learning.
During implementation, this approach comes to life through a Learn, Apply, Refine progression:
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Learn independently through self‑paced, on‑demand video training.
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Apply knowledge in interactive, live workshops led by Infinite Campus Training Specialists.
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Refine skills during district‑specific Office Hours, featuring open Q&A and strategic coaching with your assigned Training Specialist.
This approach aligns with the proven “I do, we do, you do” learning model, ensuring participants build confidence and mastery at every stage.
Be sure to view the self‑paced on‑demand videos and register for your topic‑based workshops. If you have specific questions, bring them to your Refinement Session so your Infinite Campus Training Specialist can address them directly.
Infinite Campus Support
Infinite Campus offers robust support options to help districts get the most value from their system. Through the Infinite Campus Support Site, staff have access to self‑paced training materials, detailed knowledgebase articles, release notes, and step‑by‑step guides covering core functionality and new features.
District users can also submit service tickets, track support requests, and stay informed on upcoming changes, all in one place.
Districts will learn about the Support Process as postproduction activities complete. If you're curious now, visit: Support - Infinite Campus
FAQs
Q: Will “Inactive” schools currently in PowerSchool be migrated to Infinite Campus?
A: Yes, to ensure all appropriate student records & data are migrated to Infinite Campus, all schools currently in PowerSchool (even if schools are inactive) will be migrated. This includes virtual academies that were set up as a “school” in PowerSchool. NDDPI staff will change the necessary schools' "Operational Status" to ‘closed’ from the Infinite Campus-State Edition post-migration. The “Operational Status” field is not editable via the IC-District Edition.
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Now Open: Intent to Apply for Federal Title Funding
The Intent to Apply for Federal Title Funding for the 2026–27 school year is now open in WebGrants. All authorized representatives must indicate whether their district intends to accept or decline funding for each Federal Title program.
Deadline: Submit by 5 p.m. CDT on May 20, 2026.
Districts that do not submit by the deadline will forfeit their Federal Title funds.
Click here for Step-by-Step Instructions.
Although the U.S. Department of Education has not yet released final allocations, districts may still complete their Intent to Apply. Final allocations will be posted on the Consolidated Application webpage once they are available and communicated through NDDPI channels.
Preliminary allocations are available here.
2025-26 Annual Schoolwide Reporting Platform Is Open in Cognia Diagnostics Due June 15, 2026
NDDPI hosted a webinar on March 26, 2026, to provide guidance on Annual Title I Schoolwide Reporting, including updates and a refresher on the submission process. The webinar recording, slide deck, and additional resources are linked below.
Reminder: The 2025–26 Annual Schoolwide Title I Reporting window in Cognia Diagnostics is June 1–15, 2026.
Resources:
Only schools transitioning from targeted assistance are required to submit a cover letter with board approval of the new schoolwide plan by June 1, 2026.
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Nonpublic Intent to Participate for Federal Funds and Important Nonpublic Eligibility Reminder for Title I, Part A
Intent to Participate Form & Nonpublic Requirements for Federal Funds
Districts with nonpublic schools within their boundaries are reminded of their federal obligation to comply with equitable services requirements. Each district must complete the Intent to Participate form to ensure all eligible nonpublic schools have the opportunity to receive a proportionate share of services for eligible students.
Districts with a nonpublic school listed in NDDPI’s Nonpublic School Directory were sent the Intent to Participate form by email; however, it is also available here. Completed forms must be uploaded into the district’s Intent to Apply, which is currently open in WebGrants.
Districts are further reminded that an Affirmation of Consultation must be completed for every nonpublic school that intends to accept equitable services. This form must be submitted as part of the Consolidated Application process and serves as required evidence that timely and meaningful consultation with eligible nonpublic schools has occurred before finalizing program design and implementation decisions.
Important Eligibility Determination Reminders for Title I Part A:
Recent monitoring and technical assistance have indicated that some districts are not consistently applying required service eligibility criteria for equitable services. Districts must ensure the following requirements are correctly applied to both funding and service determinations:
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Funding calculation (determining proportionate share): Student residence within the district’s Title I attendance boundaries + poverty status = the proportionate share calculation (funding).
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Service eligibility (receiving Title I Targeted Assistance services):
Student residence within the district’s Title I attendance boundaries + demonstrated academic need = eligibility for Title I student services and supports.
Students must reside within the district’s Title I school attendance boundaries to both generate an allocation and receive Title I services. Failure to correctly apply eligibility criteria for funding and service provision may result in compliance findings during monitoring or audit reviews.
A revised Nonpublic Quick Reference Guide containing these clarifications is currently in development and will be released soon. This updated guidance is intended to support consistent application of equitable services requirements across all districts.
For questions, please contact ND State Ombudsman Angie Richter at (701) 328‑2287.
Updated Virtual Education Guidance for 2026–27 SY
NDDPI has updated its Virtual Education FAQ Guidance, effective for the 2026–27 school year. School districts will be required to pay for an NDCDE course only when a student’s request meets one of the following conditions:
- The course is not offered by the district
- A scheduling conflict prevents enrollment in the district’s version of the course
- The student failed the local course previously, and no alternate teacher is available
- The course is needed for Graduation and/or Choice Ready requirements in order for the student to graduate on time
Students seeking district payment must complete the NDCDE Virtual Course Enrollment Application and submit it to the district administration. The district will approve or deny the request based on whether it meets one of the qualifying criteria. (The form is not submitted to NDDPI.)
Districts must:
- Maintain a written appeal process for denied requests
- Track approved and denied applications for reporting
Districts are not required to pay for NDCDE courses outside the scenarios listed above, though they may choose to do so at their discretion, including in special circumstances.
For questions regarding virtual education, please contact Jim Upgren at (701) 328‑2244.
Waiver of High School Unit Instructional Time Extension Applications Due July 1, 2026
The deadline to apply for a waiver extension for schools currently operating under a Waiver of High School Unit Instructional Time that expires at the end of the 2025–26 school year is July 1, 2026.
North Dakota Century Code (NDCC) 15.1-21-03 requires that each high school instructional unit (credit) consist of:
- 150 clock hours of student engagement for science and CTE courses, and
- 120 clock hours of student engagement for all other subjects
School districts that wish to implement a class schedule with fewer than the required hours must apply for and receive approval for a waiver of instructional unit time, as outlined in North Dakota Administrative Code (NDAC) 67-19-02.
Please note that all waiver applications must be approved by the school board and signed by the board president. Districts should plan accordingly to ensure timely submission.
Each application must include:
- The 2026–27 school calendar
- The 2026–27 class schedule
- School board meeting minutes documenting approval of the waiver application
Waiver Duration and Extensions
- Approved initial waivers are valid for one school year
- Schools may apply to extend the waiver for a second school year
- Once a waiver has been approved and in place for two consecutive school years, extensions may be applied for and granted for two additional school years at a time
For questions about the instructional unit time waiver or the application and approval process, please contact Jim Upgren at (701) 328‑2244. Additional information is available on the school calendars section of the NDDPI website.
Four‑Day School Week Waiver Extension Applications Due July 1, 2026
The deadline to apply for a waiver extension for schools currently operating under a Four-Day School Week Waiver that expires at the end of the 2025–26 school year is July 1, 2026.
North Dakota Century Code (NDCC) 15.1-06-04(5) requires school districts intending to operate under a four-day school week to apply for and receive approval for a waiver prior to implementation. The waiver application process is outlined in North Dakota Administrative Code (NDAC) 67-15-02.
Please note that all waiver applications must be approved by the school board and signed by the board president. Districts should plan accordingly to ensure timely submission.
Each application must include:
- The 2026–27 school calendar
- Elementary, middle, and high school class schedules for the 2026–27 school year
- School board meeting minutes documenting approval of the four-day school week waiver
Waiver Duration and Extensions
- Approved initial waivers are valid for one school year
- Schools may apply to extend the waiver for a second school year
- Once a four-day school week waiver has been approved and in place for two consecutive school years, approved extensions may be granted for five additional school years at a time
For questions regarding the four-day school week waiver or the application and approval process, please contact Jim Upgren at (701) 328-2244. Additional information can also be found on the school calendars portion of the NDDPI website.
Electronic Meal Applications Required for 2026–27 SY
A reminder for districts participating in the National School Lunch Program: ND House Bill 1013 requires districts to offer an electronic version of the free and reduced‑price meal application in addition to the USDA‑required paper form. Electronic or online meal applications must be in place by July 1, 2026, for use during the 2026–27 school year.
HB 1013 language related to online meal applications can be found in Section 22 of the bill, available here.
If your district is not already offering an electronic application, the CNFD website lists several options you may explore:
- PrimeroEdge – free through our office and available to any public school district
- Infinite Campus – may offer a free online meal application module as part of the new Student Information System
- Harris, Heartland, LINQ, Lunchtime, Nutri‑Link, and PaySchools – options that may be purchased using the 05 Food Service account if a district chooses not to use a free option
For more information on each option visit NDDPI's School Nutrition Program website. For questions, please email dpicnfd@nd.gov.
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Save the Date: Consolidated Application Training Webinar
Join NDDPI staff on Monday, May 18, 2026, from 10:30–11:30 a.m. CDT for an overview of the Consolidated Application process, followed by a live Q&A session. A recording will be available on our website for those unable to attend.
For questions, contact Melanie Pudwill at (701) 328‑2282.
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES |
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PowerSchool Workshops Available in May
Tuesday, May 5
Wednesday, May 6
Thursday, May 7
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The NDDPI Messenger is sent out on a weekly or as-needed basis. Visit our website to view previous NDDPI Messenger/Weekly Blast bulletins.
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