Grand Forks Educator Named Award Finalist

The Association for Career and Technical Education recognized Eric Ripley for his leadership in local career programming.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Administration

Bold vector editorial illustration of a modern technical school building facade, representing regional workforce training and educational leadership. — Grand Forks Public Schools administrator Eric Ripley was named a finalist for the 2027 Administrator of the Year by the ACTE. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you trust that your local school district is effectively preparing students for the modern workforce?

Grand Forks Public Schools administrator Eric Ripley has been selected as a finalist for the 2027 Administrator of the Year Award. He represents Region V, which spans 16 states and two U.S. territories.

Why it matters

The recognition highlights the leadership behind the Career Impact Academy, a cooperative facility serving students from eight high schools in the Red River Valley. This nomination underscores the impact of regional workforce training initiatives on local secondary education.

Eric Ripley, who has nearly three decades of experience, was chosen as one of five finalists for the national award. The Red River Valley's Career Impact Academy, which he helps direct, serves students from eight different high schools.

The players

Eric Ripley

The executive director of career and technical education for Grand Forks Public Schools with nearly 30 years in the field.

Association for Career and Technical Education

A national organization dedicated to supporting professionals in career and technical education.

The details

Finalists are selected to represent the Association for Career and Technical Education's distinct geographic regions. Ripley brings 17 years of administrative experience to his role at the Career Impact Academy, a $30.5 million project that provides specialized training through a cooperative agreement. The facility integrates career-focused curriculum for students across the Red River Valley school districts.

2021-2024: Ripley served as administration division vice president for the ACTE board.
August 2025: The Career Impact Academy officially opened.
October 13, 2026: The announcement of the finalists was reported.
December 2, 2026: The award winner will be announced in New Orleans.

The Home Front

This nomination reflects a growing trend of regionalized career training facilities designed to centralize technical resources for multiple school districts. It follows the establishment of larger cooperative infrastructure models, such as the $30.5 million Career Impact Academy.

Families with students in the Red River Valley can review local school board documents to see how the Career Impact Academy programs align with their high school course planning. Check with your student's counselor to confirm enrollment windows for specific technical training tracks.

The takeaway

This nomination recognizes the leadership involved in managing large-scale regional school cooperatives like the Career Impact Academy. Residents can monitor upcoming school board meeting agendas for updates on how these programs continue to expand local educational offerings.