North Dakota School Business Managers Earn Certification
Three district officials recently completed the state's professional certification program for school management.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Administration
The North Dakota School Boards Association recently honored three local school business managers for completing a rigorous professional certification program. The program is designed to strengthen leadership and expertise in managing district operations.
Why it matters
School business managers handle essential district logistics and finance, making advanced training critical for maintaining operational stability in local schools. This program ensures officials remain up-to-date on governance, finance, and human resources standards.
The North Dakota School Business Manager Certification Program requires 52 credit hours of instruction plus 9 hours of professional development. Recertification mandates an additional 15 hours of training every three years.
The players
North Dakota School Boards Association
A state organization that supports district governance and provides professional training for school leadership.
Skyler Helseth
A school business manager recently recognized for completing the state certification program.
Shayna Johnson
A school business manager recently recognized for completing the state certification program.
Barb Magnuson
A school business manager honored for achieving recertification in the professional program.
The details
The certification program offers 20 college-level courses covering school finance, operations, governance, and human resources. The training is delivered by a mix of superintendents, experienced business managers, and state officials to ensure practical applicability.
Timeline
The certification program was established in 2013.
Certification awards were presented at the annual convention on October 8, 2026.
The Home Front
Since its inception in 2013, the certification program has become the standard for professional development among North Dakota school officials. This commitment to training helps stabilize administrative expertise across diverse school districts in the state.
Parents and local community members should note that certified business managers ensure schools are managed with modern financial and operational best practices. This professional oversight supports the long-term logistics and resource allocation within neighborhood school districts.
The takeaway
Ongoing professional development for business managers helps ensure your local school district maintains efficient and transparent financial operations. Families can check their district's leadership credentials by reviewing public school board meeting minutes for staff certifications.
Further reading
Learn more about local Administration updates and policies affecting North Dakota schools.
