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Opportunities for Support
BRIDGE Open Office Hours: The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI) and project partners are now holding general Office Hours on a weekly basis. Our next session is scheduled for next Wednesday, July 1, 12–1 p.m. CDT.
**NEW** SSO & User Authentication Support Sessions: As part of the transition to Infinite Campus, districts will be required to use a Single Sign-On (SSO) provider so staff & students can securely access the Infinite Campus student information system (SIS). This change only affects how users sign in to Infinite Campus and EdPortal, it will not change how staff and students log into their computers, content delivery systems, other classroom tools, or any other systems used in daily operations.
These support sessions are available to provide district-specific guidance and help you through the setup steps in Infinite Campus. Please join us and bring your questions!
Emergency Funding Update
This week, the North Dakota Budget Section approved NDDPI's Emergency Commission Request to provide financial resources to districts to offset transition costs related to the BRIDGE project.
A formula of $1,000 per district plus $25 per student using 2025-2026 average daily membership will be used to allocate the funding. These funds can be used to offset costs associated with data standardization, initial SIS training, and additional workload demands stemming from the compressed implementation timeline.
An application to request funds is planned to be available via WebGrants by mid-July. More details on how to request these funds will be provided to district superintendents as soon as possible.
K12 SSO Metadata URL Delivery
Earlier this week, an email containing each district’s K12 SSO metadata URLs was distributed to district superintendents and tech coordinator(s). The email included:
- Sandbox (Test) metadata URL
- Production metadata URL
These URLs are required for configuring the K12 Identity Provider (IdP) and establishing trust with the state systems.
Additional details on how these K12 metadata URLs are used, along with configuration expectations, can be found in the LEA Identity & Authentication Playbook.
As a reminder, districts can still utilize a custom IDP (Google, Entra, etc.) for authentication to Infinite Campus. For help configuring a custom SSO Service Provider in Infinite Campus please review their setup guide here: SAML - SSO Service Provider Configuration | Infinite Campus
We understand this topic can be confusing for those that are unfamiliar with Identity/Authentication concepts. For further assistance, please join us for one of the SSO & User Authentication support session referenced above. Additional support sessions on this topic will be scheduled if needed.
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Consolidated Application Narrative Section Due June 30 at 5 p.m.
The Consolidated Application narrative section is open in WebGrants for all districts with an approved Intent to Apply. The deadline to complete the narrative section is Tuesday, June 30, at 5 p.m. CDT.
To access the narrative section, log into WebGrants, navigate to "Funding Opportunities," click "66253 Consolidated Application 2026-2027," and you will see your Pre-Application (i.e., Intent to Apply). Select “Create Final Application” on the far right to begin completing the narrative section. Check your WebGrants alerts or contact Melanie Pudwill for assistance.
The following Consolidated Application resources are available:
Consolidated Application Budgets are due Tuesday, Sept. 1, at 5 p.m. CDT. Budgets will be created when final allocations are released from the U.S. Department of Education and NDDPI approves the Consolidated Application narrative. Some of the Title programs' Estimated 2026-2027 Federal Title Allocations have been released and posted on the Consolidated Application webpage. Please use the estimates when planning for the budgeting process.
If you have any questions regarding the Intent to Apply for Federal Title Funding process, please contact Melanie Pudwill at (701) 328-2282.
 Choice Ready Report Due June 30
The deadline for submitting the 2025-26 Choice Ready report is fast approaching—June 30, 2026. It is essential that every public high school in North Dakota submits a Choice Ready report to secure points for the state accountability system. This report accounts for 21% of the overall school accountability rating and is a critical component of the School Accountability Report released in the fall. Seniors must be set to graduate prior to submitting the Choice Ready report. For further guidance, click here.
Questions
- For questions about Choice Ready and Accountability, contact: Amanda Peterson, (701) 328-3545
- For Choice Ready report submission or EdPortal support, contact: Stan Schauer, (701) 328-2224
- For questions about EdPortal access or password resets, contact: Amanda Wilson, SIS Specialist, EduTech, (701) 328-4163
- For questions about Choice Ready and the State Scholarship, contact: Jim Upgren, (701) 328-2244
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MIS01 and MIS02 Directories Open: Personnel Updates Due September 30
The MIS01 Local Education Agency (LEA) Directory and MIS02 School Directory are now open for the 2026–2027 school year. Districts are expected to update all personnel information by the Sept. 30, 2026 deadline, as these data are used to maintain the department’s official listserv and ensure the accuracy of statewide communications. You may email dpimanageinfosys@nd.gov now to be added to the listserv as soon as possible, ensuring you receive all critical information prior to the report’s due date.
Setting Meal Prices for School Nutrition Programs 2026–27 SY
Student Meal Pricing
Districts must review their 05 Fund balance as of June 30, 2025.
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If the 05 Fund was negative:
The district must complete the Paid Lunch Equity (PLE) Tool and implement the required student lunch price. Federal regulations limit price increases to no more than $0.10 per year (7 CFR 210.14(e)(4)(i)). The General Fund must also transfer funds to bring the 05 Fund to a zero balance for the 2026–27 school year (SY).
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If the 05 Fund was zero or positive:
The district may request an exemption from using the PLE Tool during the renewal process. Student meal prices should then be set at a level that sustains the program, typically based on the actual cost of producing meals.
Adult Meal Pricing
Adult meal prices depend on whether the school operates as a Provision school (serving all students at no charge) or a pricing school.
Provision Schools (non‑pricing):
- Adult meals must be priced at least equal to the free meal reimbursement plus the value of commodities.
- For Breakfast 2026: $2.46 (no commodity value)
- For Lunch 2026: $4.71 (severe need) + $0.45 commodities = $5.16 minimum adult lunch price
Pricing Schools:
- Adult meals must be priced at least equal to the highest paid student price plus the paid reimbursement plus the commodity value.
- Last year, this meant adult lunch prices needed to be $0.98 higher than the highest student lunch price (based on the $0.53 paid reimbursement + commodity value).
- For 2026–27, adult lunch prices will likely need to be $1.02–$1.05 higher.
- For breakfast, last year’s increase was $0.40; this year’s increase is expected to be about $0.01. Child Nutrition and Food Distribution will notify schools as soon as USDA releases official reimbursement rates.
National Price Comparisons
Wondering how your prices compare nationally? NDDPI reports each district’s student lunch prices to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) annually. These data appear in the FNS 828 School Food Authority Paid Lunch Price Report.
 Teacher sits across from students learning.
Personalized Learning Takes Root Across North Dakota
Across North Dakota, educators are creating learning experiences that are responsive, engaging, and connected to the unique strengths, interests, and aspirations of every learner.
Through the North Dakota Personalized Learning Network (NDPLN), schools and districts are collaborating to bring NDPLN Framework to life in ways that reflect their local communities and goals.
A new series, Personalized Learning in Practice: Lessons from North Dakota Schools, highlights how educators across the state are putting personalized learning into practice through learner-centered cultures, meaningful relationships, student ownership, authentic demonstrations of learning, and real-world learning experiences.
The series includes:
Together, these stories show that personalized learning doesn’t follow a single model. Instead, North Dakota communities are adapting the framework to meet local needs while creating environments where every student is known, supported, and engaged in meaningful, real‑world learning.
easyCBM Added to North Dakota’s Approved Dyslexia Screener List
NDDPI reviews dyslexia screener submissions twice each year, in February and June. Following its most recent review, NDDPI has approved Riverside Insights’ easyCBM as an official dyslexia screener for use in North Dakota.
easyCBM will be added to the North Dakota MISO1 and Reading Curriculum and Professional Development reports, where dyslexia screener information is collected.
A complete list of approved dyslexia screeners, along with summary information, is available on the NDDPI Dyslexia website under the “Dyslexia Screener” section.
For questions, please contact Brenda Ehrmantraut.
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 2026 County Teacher of the Year plaques.
2026 County Teachers of the Year Celebrated at Memorial Hall
On June 23, 2026, NDDPI honored 50 educators at the 2026 County Teacher of the Year Award Ceremony, held at Memorial Hall in Bismarck, ND. State Superintendent Levi Bachmeier read a personalized bio for each honoree as they received a commemorative plaque during the hour-long celebration.
These 50 teachers represent communities from every corner of North Dakota. They teach in rural schoolhouses and large district buildings, in early childhood classrooms and high school labs, and in subject areas that range from agriculture and the arts to special education and STEM. What they share is a commitment to their students and to the communities that count on them.
Congratulations to this year's honorees:
- Adams County: Jennifer Fordahl, Hettinger Public School
- Barnes County: Nicole Powers, Jefferson Elementary School
- Benson County: JoLynn Hill, Maddock Public School
- Bottineau County: Chelsea Blada, Westhope Public School
- Bowman County: Tyneal Burke, Bowman County School
- Burke County: Jennifer Nelson, Bowbells Public School
- Burleigh County: Amber Pasillas, Grimsrud Elementary School
- Cass County: Jim Urlacher, Discover Middle School
- Cavalier County: Emily Braunberger, Langdon Area Public School
- Dickey County: Cary Wertz, SE Region Career and Technology Center
- Divide County: Tessa Rindel, Divide County Elementary
- Dunn County: Holly Schmidt, Killdeer Public School
- Eddy County: Craig Demester, New Rockford Sheyenne Public Schools
- Emmons County: Diana Christensen, Hazelton-Moffit-Braddock Public School
- Golden Valley County: Mary Zachmann, Lincoln Elementary
- Grand Forks County: Hailey Joyce, Discovery Elementary School
- Grant County: Kyla Zenker, Roosevelt Public School
- Griggs County: Carlin Odstrcil, Midkota Public School
- Hettinger County: Allie Hintz, Mott-Regent Public School
- Kidder County: Serena Schmidt, Kidder County School
- LaMoure County: Shelby Beethe, Edgeley Public School
- Logan County: Brian Schneider, Napoleon Public School
- McHenry County: Christine Fannik, Velva Public School
- McIntosh County: Wendy Bichler, Ashley Public School
- McKenzie County: Else-Marie Westman, Watford City Middle School
- McLean County: Dustin Moe, Washburn Public School
- Mercer County: Beverly Frank, Beulah Middle School
- Morton County: John Gieser, Mandan High School
- Mountrail County: Marisa Bueno, Parshall Public School
- Nelson County: Benjamin Scallon, Lakota High School
- Oliver County: Shanna Meier, Center Stanton Public School
- Pembina County: Jeffrey Moe, North Border School District
- Pierce County: Ashleigh Blikre, Ely Elementary School
- Ramsey County: Jerad Lehmann, Devils Lake High School
- Ransom County: Kevin Bratland, Enderlin Area Public School
- Renville County: Kaylee Olafson, Glenburn Public School
- Richland County: Addie Overland, Richland 44 Elementary
- Rolette County: Jodi Hudson, Rolla Public School
- Sargent County: Benjamin Ponzer, Sargent Central
- Sheridan County: Trista Senske, McClusky-Goodrich Public School
- Sioux County: Ian Fisher, Solen High School
- Stark County: Jennifer Nokes, Roosevelt Elementary School
- Steele County: Sidney Kenfield, Finley-Sharon Public School
- Stutsman County: Teresa Olson, James Valley CTC / Jamestown Public School
- Towner County: Andria Juarez, North Star Public School
- Traill County: Jessica Ogburn, May-Port CG High School
- Walsh County: Eda Arabis, Park River Area High School
- Ward County: Lynn Whitesell, Minot Public School
- Wells County: Brooke Heil, BM Hanson Elementary
- Williams County: Lexie Brunsvold, Trenton High School
North Dakota's students are in excellent hands. We are proud to celebrate each of these educators and the lasting difference they make in the lives of the young people they serve.
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Grant Opportunity to Support Student Engagement and At‑Risk Youth
North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (NDHHS) is offering a new funding opportunity for schools interested in programs that strengthen student engagement and improve outcomes for at‑risk youth.
Schools may submit proposals for initiatives such as Check & Connect, a research‑based mentoring program focused on improving attendance, academic performance, and behavior through strong relationships and consistent support. Other evidence‑based or innovative projects that enhance engagement, boost attendance, advance achievement, or promote students’ social‑emotional well‑being are also encouraged, with applications due July 3, 2026.
For questions, please contact Heather Kapella, NDHHS Program Administrator – State School Nurse Consultant.
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES |
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Final Registration for Food Service Back-to-School Workshop
If your school or district has not yet registered for the Child Nutrition and Food Distribution (CNFD) Back-to-School Workshop (BTSW), now is the time! There are still a few spots open for this full day of essential updates and training for the upcoming school year. These in-person workshops cover critical changes to the School Nutrition Programs and include separate presentation tracks for:
- Food Service Directors
- Kitchen Managers
- School Administrators and/or Business Managers
Cost: $45 per session (includes lunch)
Agenda: Click to view the BTSW 2026 Agenda for all Locations.
Workshop Locations & Dates:
Fargo
Thursday, July 30, 2026
Hilton Garden Inn, Fargo
Register here for the Fargo BTSW
Minot
Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026
Sleep Inn
Register here for the Minot BTSW
Bismarck
Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026
University of Mary – Lumen Vitae University Center
Register here for the Bismarck BTSW
Child Nutrition and Food Distribution Needs Your Stories!
Help shape this year's CNFD Back-to-School Workshop session on Communication by sharing two quick examples from your experience—one when food service communication worked well and one when it didn’t.
The survey takes just a couple of minutes, and your voice can make a real difference. Thank you for helping us celebrate what’s working and identify opportunities to improve together.
County Superintendent Training
The annual County Superintendent Training will be held virtually on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026, from 9 a.m.–12 p.m. CDT. Hosted by the North Dakota Association of Counties, this session provides key information for county superintendents and county officials on essential duties, school reorganizations, annexations, and dissolutions.
 New Courses Available on the North Dakota Eductional HUB
A variety of new professional learning opportunities are now available on the North Dakota Educational HUB. Educators can explore courses focused on growth mindset, instructional coaching, SEL‑aligned literature studies, attachment‑informed teaching, AI‑enhanced classrooms, multilingual learner support, ND A+ and Navvy assessment training, trauma‑informed practices, efficient classroom routines, and innovative instructional design.
Courses range from one‑credit offerings to 15‑hour asynchronous options, giving educators flexible ways to build skills that enhance teaching, learning, and student engagement.
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 12th Annual North Dakota Indian Education Summit
Don’t forget to secure your spot at the 12th Annual North Dakota Indian Education Summit, happening July 28–29, 2026, at the North Dakota State Capitol in Bismarck. This two‑day event features keynote speakers Martin Sensmeier and Nadine Groenig, a full lineup of breakout sessions, cultural presentations, authentic Native foods, exhibitors, and valuable networking opportunities. Continuing education credit is available through the University of Mary.
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The NDDPI Messenger is sent out on a weekly or as-needed basis. Visit our website to view previous bulletins.
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