North Dakota School Managers Receive Certifications
Three school business managers were honored for completing professional certification programs during a recent annual convention.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Administration
The North Dakota School Boards Association recognized three professionals for completing or renewing their school business manager certifications. The awards were presented at the organization's annual convention in Bismarck.
Why it matters
This certification program is designed to strengthen the professional expertise and leadership capabilities of those managing the finances and operations of North Dakota school districts.
The certification program, established in 2013, requires 52 credit hours of instruction and 9 hours of professional development within five years. Recertification necessitates 15 hours of training over three years.
The players
North Dakota School Boards Association
This is a professional organization that represents the interests of school boards and provides training programs for educational leaders across the state.
Skyler Helseth
This individual is one of the school business managers who successfully graduated from the state certification program.
Shayna Johnson
This individual is one of the school business managers who successfully graduated from the state certification program.
Barb Magnuson
This individual is a school business manager who was honored for achieving recertification through the professional standards program.
The details
Graduates of the program complete 20 college-level courses covering school finance, operations, governance, and human resources. These courses are instructed by experienced superintendents, fellow business managers, and state officials.
Timeline
The North Dakota School Business Manager Certification Program was established in 2013.
The awards were presented at the annual convention in Bismarck on October 8, 2026.
Culture Shift
The professionalization of school district administration reflects a broader movement toward standardizing educational leadership roles across the state. This initiative mirrors efforts in other sectors to mandate rigorous, ongoing training for those overseeing public infrastructure and budgets.
The continued certification of business managers ensures that local school districts in places like Velva, Powers Lake, and South Prairie maintain high standards for financial and operational oversight. Residents benefit from the assurance that district funds and human resources are managed by professionals who meet rigorous, state-sanctioned training criteria.
The takeaway
Ongoing professional development remains a critical component for maintaining stable school district operations in rural and urban areas alike. School boards across the state continue to prioritize these certifications to ensure long-term fiscal responsibility.
Further reading
For more on administrative initiatives, visit North Dakota Administration.
