NDSOS members may want to take a look at this opportunity through the National Rural Education Association.
The 2026 NREA Writing Contest provides a simple way to engage students while highlighting the strengths and challenges of rural communities.
Theme: Ready, Set, Rural: Creating Opportunities Everywhere
Student Categories:
Elementary (K–4): Written response to a rural-themed picture book
Middle School (5–8): Essay responding to a rural-focused article
High School (9–12): Video storytelling on rural life and opportunity
Key Details:
Submission Deadline: May 31, 2026
Submission Method: Email to nreafoundation@gmail.com
Awards: $100–$500 for student winners (sponsored by Edmentum), plus national recognition and publication
Recognition Event: National Forum to Advance Rural Education (San Antonio, October 19–21)
This is a practical way to:
Give students a voice on rural issues
Connect classroom work to real-world advocacy
Showcase the strengths of our communities on a national stage
If you’re looking for a late spring project, this one is turnkey and aligned with what we’re all trying to communicate about rural education.
Full contest details and rubric are available here: https://nrea.net/2026-nrea-writing-contest/
The 2026 NREA Writing Contest provides a simple way to engage students while highlighting the strengths and challenges of rural communities.
Theme: Ready, Set, Rural: Creating Opportunities Everywhere
Student Categories:
Elementary (K–4): Written response to a rural-themed picture book
Middle School (5–8): Essay responding to a rural-focused article
High School (9–12): Video storytelling on rural life and opportunity
Key Details:
Submission Deadline: May 31, 2026
Submission Method: Email to nreafoundation@gmail.com
Awards: $100–$500 for student winners (sponsored by Edmentum), plus national recognition and publication
Recognition Event: National Forum to Advance Rural Education (San Antonio, October 19–21)
This is a practical way to:
Give students a voice on rural issues
Connect classroom work to real-world advocacy
Showcase the strengths of our communities on a national stage
If you’re looking for a late spring project, this one is turnkey and aligned with what we’re all trying to communicate about rural education.
Full contest details and rubric are available here: https://nrea.net/2026-nrea-writing-contest/
NDSOS Announces Dr. Mike Bitz as New Executive Director
The North Dakota Small Organized Schools (NDSOS) President, Brandt Dick, and the Board of Directors are pleased to announce the selection of Dr. Mike Bitz as the next Executive Director of NDSOS, succeeding Michael Heilman.
Dr. Bitz brings 35 years of experience as a school superintendent, including 19 years serving smaller school districts across North Dakota. He currently serves as Superintendent of Mandan Public Schools, a role he has held for the past 16 years.
He began his superintendent career in Emerado, a K–8 district in northeastern North Dakota. He later served North Sargent and Milnor Public Schools before spending 11 years at Hillsboro Public Schools.
Throughout his career, Dr. Bitz has been actively involved in education beyond the district level, serving on numerous local, state, and national committees. He brings a strong understanding of the legislative process and a deep knowledge of North Dakota’s educational landscape.
Originally from Napoleon, North Dakota, Dr. Bitz looks forward to supporting and advocating for small organized schools across the state in his new role.
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Bitz to NDSOS.
The North Dakota Small Organized Schools (NDSOS) President, Brandt Dick, and the Board of Directors are pleased to announce the selection of Dr. Mike Bitz as the next Executive Director of NDSOS, succeeding Michael Heilman.
Dr. Bitz brings 35 years of experience as a school superintendent, including 19 years serving smaller school districts across North Dakota. He currently serves as Superintendent of Mandan Public Schools, a role he has held for the past 16 years.
He began his superintendent career in Emerado, a K–8 district in northeastern North Dakota. He later served North Sargent and Milnor Public Schools before spending 11 years at Hillsboro Public Schools.
Throughout his career, Dr. Bitz has been actively involved in education beyond the district level, serving on numerous local, state, and national committees. He brings a strong understanding of the legislative process and a deep knowledge of North Dakota’s educational landscape.
Originally from Napoleon, North Dakota, Dr. Bitz looks forward to supporting and advocating for small organized schools across the state in his new role.
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Bitz to NDSOS.
Board of Directors elected to two year terms at Annual meeting. Elected to serve a two year term starting January 1, 2026 are:
i) NW Region 1 – Tim Holte, Stanley Superintendent
ii) NC Region 2 - Steve Heim, Drake-Anamoose Superintendents
iii) NE Region 3 – Kelly Peter- Lakota Superintendent
iv) SW Region 4 – Russ Ziegler – Elgin/New Leipzig Superintendent
v) SC Region 5 – Rick Diegel, Kidder County Superintendent
vi) SE Region 6 – Tyler Hanson, Superintendent Edgeley
vii) Ex Officio - Steven Johnson, NREA Board of Directors
i) NW Region 1 – Tim Holte, Stanley Superintendent
ii) NC Region 2 - Steve Heim, Drake-Anamoose Superintendents
iii) NE Region 3 – Kelly Peter- Lakota Superintendent
iv) SW Region 4 – Russ Ziegler – Elgin/New Leipzig Superintendent
v) SC Region 5 – Rick Diegel, Kidder County Superintendent
vi) SE Region 6 – Tyler Hanson, Superintendent Edgeley
vii) Ex Officio - Steven Johnson, NREA Board of Directors
Mackin - Learn how they can help!! Zoom Meeting November 30, 9:45 am
Michael Heilman, Executive Director of NDSOS invites you to this Zoom meeting so that you can be introduced to Mackin Educational with Andy Wills.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89949675786?pwd=jLJoJ6SeadZ0nthWH9olJMNPLNfTPA.1
Meeting ID: 899 4967 5786
Passcode: NDSOS23
Welcome back to NDSOS. 100+ schools have renewed their membership for 2023-2024. Click on the Join Us link or renew you membership line on NDSOS website.
Check out this article from the Rural School Collaborative. https://ruralschoolscollaborative.org/stories/enjoying-an-early-taste-of-winter. John Glasgow, Rural Schools Collaborative's Partnerships Manager, had the opportunity to travel up into the Great North to visit partners in North Dakota.
Whether you’re on the go or looking for the most recent updates. Download the NDSOS app to stay current with policy updates, news, and events!
Visit https://www.ndsos.k12.nd.us/app for more information.
We are loving our new app! Access documents, news updates, and current events, right from your pocket.
Download for Android https://bit.ly/37SoXu9
Download for iPhone https://apple.co/3xVDKz1
We're thrilled to announce the new app for NDSOS! It's everything NDSOS, in your pocket. Download for Android https://bit.ly/37SoXu9 Download for iPhone https://apple.co/3xVDKz1
NDSOS membership renewal. Click Join Us Above. It's time to renew or join NDSOS. Your membership provides you with discounts from the North Dakota for Distance Education, discounts from Vertical Alliance for required Bus Driver training and access to several valued partners that offer a wide variety of services for rural schools.
NDSOS members -- Send me a photo of your school and I will add it to the gallery.