North Dakota
Viewpoint: Teacher Recruitment and Retention Task Force is a positive step
It comes as a surprise to no one that North Dakota, like every other state in the nation, is in the throes of an unprecedented teacher shortage.
Longtime administrators will tell you that where once there were dozens of applications for each open position, they are now fortunate to receive one or two worthy applicants, if any. Many educators will tell you that K-12 education remains an honorable and vital profession with an ever-increasing level of stress. What both agree on is that the consequences of ignoring the teacher shortage are dire and that this challenge cannot go unmet.
That is why all of us at ND United are appreciative of
Gov. Doug Burgum’s creation of the Recruitment and Retention Task Force
. Through this task force, North Dakota can do what no other state has yet accomplished: end the teacher shortage and return respect and dignity to public education and the professionals who provide it.
There is not a single cause of the teacher shortage. It came about as the result of many factors. Among them is that public education, like many of our nation’s institutions, was thrust into the ceaseless churn of the culture wars. The notion that “all politics is local” became a moot point, and North Dakota became caught up in the national and irrational hysteria surrounding CRT, DEI, Common Core, and any number of things that were not – and are not – in evidence in our state. Teachers and librarians were dragged into this sociopolitical scrum caused by charlatans who have turned stoking ideological outrage into a lucrative grift. While those hucksters became influencers of ideologues who value sound bites over sound policy, teachers became worn down by unseemly accusations and insinuations that called into question their integrity and professionalism.
The Recruitment and Retention Task Force has the opportunity to reverse this slide. Through its work, the task force can make recommendations to the governor and Legislature to design policies that amplify the voices of educators and improve salaries and benefits that are commensurate with the important work they do every day. In addition, the task force can recommend improved working conditions with adequate staffing levels so that teachers and education support professionals are able to meet the needs of every child in their charge. Other recommendations should include creating meaningful and less burdensome pathways to licensure and using data to inform decisions on teacher recruitment and retention.
Burgum was right to form this task force, and he and the Legislature will be right to take its recommendations seriously. As a society, we do not do anything more important than educate our future. By continuing to ignore the teacher shortage or implementing strategies that nibble around the edges of policy, we are failing both our students and our future.
Now is the time for bold action. I am confident that with all stakeholders at the table, we can fulfill the promise of great public schools in every community in North Dakota.
Nick Archuleta is president of North Dakota United.
BISMARCK, N.D. (KFGO/KVRR) — The North Dakota Democratic-NPL will hold its state convention in Bismarck on Friday, March 6 to Sunday, March 8, 2026.
They say all official business will take place on Saturday, March 7.
Delegates to the state convention are elected at their legislative district conventions.
If a district does not fill its slate, it may allow the district chair to appoint the remaining delegates.
“At a moment when division threatens progress, we come together – across generations, communities, and regions – to reaffirm that democracy works best when everyone has a voice and a stake in what comes next,” North Dakota Democratic-NPL Secretary and Convention Planning Chair Kari Breker said. “This convention is about leadership rooted in hope, action over cynicism, and unity as the engine of lasting change. Together, we are not just defending democracy – we are building a future worthy of the next generation.”
The North Dakota GOP State Convention is scheduled to be held in Minot from March 26 through March 29 at the North Dakota State Fairgrounds.
JAMESTOWN — Jamestown Regional Medical Center (JRMC) has been recognized by Becker’s Hospital Review as one of North Dakota’s top recommended hospitals, an honor shared only by the Fargo VA Medical Center. This recognition is based on patients’ responses to the question: “Would you recommend this hospital to your friends and family?”
Inclusion on the top recommended hospitals list reflects a five-star rating for patient recommendations. Ratings are determined through the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
“This recognition by Becker’s reflects our continued focus on exceptional patient care, clear communication and strong partnerships between patients and care teams,” said Trisha Jungels, JRMC chief nursing officer. “At JRMC, trust is built through listening, compassion and clinical excellence, and this honor reflects the dedication of our teams every day.”
JRMC’s inclusion on this list, along with other recent national awards and recognitions — such as its Pathways of Excellence designation and multiple top critical access hospital recognitions — further distinguish the medical center as a regional and statewide leader in care.
To learn more about JRMC, visit
jrmcnd.com
or call (701) 952-1050.
FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) – Make-A-Wish North Dakota celebrated the grand reopening of its newly remodeled Wishing Place on Monday evening, January 12, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by community leaders, donors, and volunteers.
The Fargo facility underwent renovations last summer to create a more child-focused, community-centric experience for families visiting the nonprofit organization.
“I want the Wishing Place to serve as a beacon of light for families and be something that they are proud of, and the community is proud of,” said Billi Jo Zielinski, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish North Dakota. “So, this is a place not only for kids to come in, explore, and dream and wish, but also for our volunteers to be trained and to be inspired.”
Wish alumna Emily Gard, who was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma in 2003 and is now two years cancer-free, spoke at the event about the significance of the remodeled space.
“This remodeled space is where those life-changing moments take shape,” Gard said. “Every wish that will eventually be honored on the wall of stars represents a story that has been written and is waiting to unfold for a child.”
The invitation-only event was hosted for members of the Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo Chamber of Commerce, Make-A-Wish North Dakota donors, and volunteers.
Since 1985, Make-A-Wish North Dakota has granted more than 1,150 wishes for children across the state. The organization’s vision is to grant every eligible child’s wish.
According to Make-A-Wish, wishes provide joy in the present, hope for the future, and the transformation that comes from daring to dream beyond the confines of a critical illness.
Families interested in learning more about eligibility for a wish, referring a child, or volunteering can visit wish.org/northdakota.
Copyright 2026 KVLY. All rights reserved.
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