As another academic year has drawn to a close, I wanted to take the opportunity to recognize the extraordinary commitment of North Dakota’s educators and public service professionals. From kindergarten classrooms to college lecture halls, from school offices and cafeterias to bus routes and maintenance departments, our members have once again demonstrated what it means to serve with professionalism, compassion and resilience.
This year, once again, demanded much from all of us, and North Dakota United members delivered. Educators continued to meet students where they are, academically and socially, while navigating growing expectations and increasing pressures. Higher education faculty and staff worked tirelessly to prepare students for the future while defending the value and mission of public higher education and their institutions. Across every level of public service, our members showed up each day because they believe in the promise of strong public institutions and strong communities.
As I mentioned in my remarks at the 2026 NDU Delegate Assembly in April, the work you do matters. It changes lives. It strengthens families. It creates opportunity. And it remains an imperative asset as North Dakota builds a bright future for all of us.
But while we celebrate the year that was, we must also recognize the work ahead.
Public education and public services do not succeed by accident. They succeed because people are willing to stand up, speak out and advocate for what our students, families, and communities need and deserve. The months ahead will require all of us to stay engaged and organized.
That means supporting candidates — regardless of their political affiliation — who believe in public education, respect our public employees and understand the importance of investing in our communities. Elections matter because most of the decisions that directly affect our classrooms, campuses, workplaces and students are decisions made in Washington, D.C., or Bismarck, ND.
It also means working tirelessly to pass Measure 3 — the Universal School Meals measure — in November. Measure 3 is our opportunity to make a lasting investment in students and working families across North Dakota. When students are fed, they are better prepared to learn, participate and succeed. Measure 3 represents our shared value of strengthening families in that it allows parents to keep $1,000 per student in their pockets.
And perhaps most importantly, we must continue telling our stories.
No one can better explain the importance of public education and public services than the people doing the work every day. When educators and public employees share their experiences, the public sees the dedication, expertise, and humanity behind the headlines
and political rhetoric. Conversations with neighbors, letters to the editor, social media posts, and community engagement all help build understanding and trust. Our collective voice remains our greatest strength. So, let’s invite our colleagues who are not yet members to join ND United.
For everything you have given this year to your students, your colleagues, your institutions and your communities, I thank you. Your work matters more than ever. Thank you, too, for your membership in our union, ND United!
