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Forum editorial: North Dakota is failing its teachers, and it’s time to do something about it

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Forum editorial: North Dakota is failing its teachers, and it’s time to do something about it


People don’t pursue a teaching career in the hopes of getting rich. While the profession offers many rewards, excellent pay is typically not among them.

That said, we should not resign ourselves to the assumption that competitive pay doesn’t matter when it comes to attracting people to teach or retaining the best teachers.

So it’s frankly embarrassing and shameful that

North Dakota has fallen to 40th in average teacher pay

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among the 50 states and Washington, D.C.

The National Education Association recently released its annual report of teacher pay by state.

Last year, North Dakota teachers earned an average annual salary of $58,581. The average annual starting salary was $43,734.

Average teacher pay has climbed in North Dakota by nearly 7% since 2020-21, when the state ranked 34th in the nation, but that hasn’t kept pace with nationwide growth of around 10% over the same period.

Last year alone, average salaries in North Dakota grew by 3.2% compared to 3.8% nationwide.

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Salaries for starting teachers in North Dakota have also dropped from 26th nationwide in 2021-22 to 34th last year.

Meanwhile, the average teacher salary in Minnesota is $72,430, or about $14,000 more than in North Dakota. That puts Minnesota 15th in teacher pay nationwide.

Starting teachers in Minnesota earn an average salary of $44,995, only about $1,261 more than in North Dakota. Minnesota ranks 26th in that benchmark compared to North Dakota’s ranking at 34th.

So while North Dakota has tried to slowly increase teacher pay in recent years, it hasn’t kept pace with the value other states have placed upon teachers.

As a result, North Dakota is struggling to attract and retain teachers, especially in rural areas. The problem is getting more acute by the year as the core of longtime educators retire and fewer young people pursue the profession known for poor pay and challenging work conditions made worse by poor parenting and a growing distrust of education.

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This also comes at a time when North Dakota’s Legacy Fund hovers around $12 billion. The 15-year-old growing pile of money gleaned from the state’s taxes on the oil and gas industry is meant as a reserve fund for when those natural resources are depleted.

The intent of the Legacy Fund, created by taxpayers, was to use the state’s natural riches for transformative change. The recently adjourned Legislature did just that when it joined the governor’s push to tap a small portion of the Legacy Fund to lower property taxes, an issue that has plagued North Dakotans for decades.

Between now and the conclusion of the next legislative session in two years, lawmakers must make it a priority to increase teacher salaries. A good goal is to get North Dakota to at least the middle ranks of teacher pay in the country. It’s hard to be happy with average, but a “C” is better than the “F” we have today.

If we truly want to leave a legacy, there is no better investment in the future of North Dakota.

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Opinion by
Forum Editorial Board
The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead Editorial Board is a collection of Forum leaders and editors who regularly meet with area politicians and civic leaders to discuss and develop editorial positions on behalf of the company.

All editorials and editorial endorsements represent the views of Forum Communications Co. ownership.

Current members of the board include:

  • President and CEO Bill Marcil Jr.
  • Chief Operating Officer Bill Rouse
  • Chief Technology Officer Rodney Holm
  • Vice President of Newspapers Aaron Becher
  • Executive Editor Kirsten Stromsodt
  • Editor-in-Chief Matthew Von Pinnon
  • Business Editor Angie Wieck
  • Senior Writer Patrick Springer





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North Dakota

Griffin’s 18 lead Western Illinois past North Dakota 69-66 in OT – WTOP News

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Griffin’s 18 lead Western Illinois past North Dakota 69-66 in OT – WTOP News


GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) — Isaiah Griffin had 18 points in Western Illinois’ 69-66 overtime win against North Dakota on…

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) — Isaiah Griffin had 18 points in Western Illinois’ 69-66 overtime win against North Dakota on Saturday.

Griffin had three steals for the Leathernecks (4-7). Karyiek Dixon scored 17 points while shooting 6 of 10 from the field and 5 for 6 from the line and added 18 rebounds. Lucas Lorenzen shot 3 for 13 (1 for 9 from 3-point range) and 7 of 8 from the free-throw line to finish with 14 points.

Eli King led the way for the Fightin’ Hawks (4-9) with 13 points, two steals and four blocks. Greyson Uelmen added 13 points for North Dakota. Garrett Anderson had 11 points and six rebounds.

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___

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Copyright
© 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.



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Community rescues grieving North Dakota widow — by harvesting their late pal’s 1,400 acres of crops

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Community rescues grieving North Dakota widow — by harvesting their late pal’s 1,400 acres of crops


In North Dakota, farmers aren’t neighbors — they’re family.

When a sudden car crash tragically took the life of a beloved community member, the goodhearted folks of Antler came together to carry out one final act of kindness: they harvested his crops.

Randy Fyllesvold was killed in September, and his grieving widow, Kharra, and their two sons were left reeling, in no condition to deal with the 1,400 acres of corn and soybeans still in the fields surrounding their home.

Randy Fyllesvold, seen here with his wife Kharra, was killed in September. Kharra Fyllesvold/Facebook

That’s when the close-knit community stepped in.

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Two of Randy’s pals — Wyatt Thompson and Andy Gates — decided to organize a large-scale harvest of their late pal’s crops.

First, they put out a call for help.

And the people answered. In a flash, more than 75 volunteers from surrounding communities were rolling onto the farm on 12 combines, in 40 trucks, all loaded with other equipment — along with willing hands.

They worked together like a well-oiled machine, and the massive effort was locked up in just a couple days.

Kharra said being among so many people harvesting her husband’s final crop was “nothing short of breathtaking” and she feels blessed to be the recipient of so much love and support in such a harrowing time.

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The tiny North Dakota community banded together to help the family bring in the harvest. Kharra Fyllesvold/Facebook

But they wouldn’t have it any other way.

“To know Randy was to love Randy,” said buddy Wyatt Thompson told local station KFYR. “..The reach that he had was kind of endless.”

Kharra said she’ll never forget what they did for her.

More than 75 volunteers stepped up to help bring in the harvest. Kharra Fyllesvold/Facebook

“As I stood in the shop and looked around before the final Randy Fyllesvold corn harvest started, I was flooded with memories we created with all of you,” she wrote in a heartfelt Facebook post.

“The day was full of emotion, but I found so much peace in watching it unfold … but from the bottom of my heart, thank you. I will always remember this and Randy would be so proud.

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“God Bless all of you and the boys and I love each and every one of you. 12 combines, 7 grain carts, over 40 trucks all for you Randy.

“I know you are smiling down.”



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North Dakota

Donald Snyder Sr.

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Donald Snyder Sr.


Donald R. Snyder Sr. 82 of Grand Forks, North Dakota died Tuesday, December 9, 2026, at Villa St. Vincent in Crookston, Minnesota. 

Don was born on June 3, 1943, the son of Harrison and Gladys (Whittier) Snyder in Van Hook, North Dakota. He attended school in Van Hook and New Town, North Dakota. Don served in the United States Navy from 1960 – 1964 and was stationed in Hawaii during his time of service as a Military Police officer. He attended ND Police Academy and where he worked in Wattford City, ND and later was the Chief of Police in Parshall, ND. Don attended Minot State University and received a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1972. 

Don was united in marriage to Greta Huseby on November 22, 1991, in Lake Tahoe, Neveda. He worked as a social worker in child welfare in North Dakota for thirty-five plus years in various roles in the state in Rugby, Minot and Bismarck as a Regional Supervisor to State Director in foster care. Don spent the many years taking care of family’s needs in North Dakota.

After retiring from Human Service in North Dakota, he worked for Multiband Inc. and Orangehook Inc. Don retired from OrangeHook Inc. as the Senior Vice President, responsible for HR Department.

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Don enjoyed fishing (deep sea, rivers and lakes), hunting, woodworking (cabinetry and interior), coaching Tee Ball and soccer, and volunteering for the local honor guards. He was proud of his service in the military and always showed his gratitude for fellow veterans.

Don’s faith and family were his priority. He read the Bible six times and shared his faith with his family and friends. Don and Greta were active members of University Lutheran Church.

Don is survived by his wife, Greta Snyder; three sons, Donald Richard Snyder Jr., Scott (Nancy) Snyder and Tracy (Staci) Snyder; grandchildren, Megan (Rory) Selk, Katelyn Snyder, Gavin Snyder, Whitney (Chris) Crofts, Kaylee (Jon) Gappmaier and Jordan (Jen) Snyder, thirteen great-grandchildren, Kinley, Iyla, Jude, Gabby, Rowan, Sophia, Hunter, Kimber, Isaiah, Benjamin, Porshea, Addie and Mollie;  numerous nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, two daughters, Tunya and Mishell Snyder, granddaughter, Jessica Snyder and two infant sisters. 

Visitation will be held from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at Amundson Funeral Home. Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at Amundson Funeral Home.

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