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Staff & Human Resources

2023-2024 Annual Report

lady in red shirt with glasses on waving and smiling

Staff & Human Resources

Our dedicated staff forms the heart of our district, creating a vibrant, inclusive environment where every student can thrive.

In 2023-2024, our talented team brought diverse backgrounds and perspectives, helping us better reflect and serve our community.

Employee Overview

Last year, our district employed 752 staff members, not including coaches who did not hold another position within WBSD7. This total included 420 certified staff, comprised of 27 administrators and 393 teachers, along with 332 classified staff.

Our certified staff and substitute teachers were instrumental in delivering quality education and support to our students, while our classified staff played vital roles in the daily operations of the district. Their efforts ensured that classrooms were well-supported and that students had the necessary resources to succeed.

all staff in williston high school auditorium

Professional Development

The district offers ongoing training programs tailored to meet the diverse needs of our employees, ensuring that they have the skills and knowledge necessary for success in their roles.

These training opportunities are tracked through our online portal, Vector Solutions, allowing staff to easily access resources, monitor their progress, and stay informed about professional development options available to them. This commitment to continuous improvement supports our goal of fostering a highly skilled and effective workforce.

All district administrators have participated in Jon Gordon's Power of Positive Leadership training, equipping them with tools to foster positive culture, motivate teams, and lead with optimism in the face of challenges.

Each administrator in our district receives personalized one-on-one executive coaching, designed to support their professional growth and enhance their leadership capabilities.

staff smiling

Recruitment and Retention

We implemented the Vital Network Recruitment & Retention Framework, a strategic approach to attract and retain top talent in our schools. This initiative helps ensure that we maintain a high-quality staff dedicated to student success.

The district implemented a retention bonus program aimed at supporting and retaining our dedicated staff. A $3,000 bonus was offered to all K-12 professional staff, recognizing their hard work and commitment to our students and community. This initiative reflects our ongoing effort to maintain a talented and stable workforce, ensuring that we continue to provide a high-quality education for all students.

Staff Recognition

Throughout the year, many staff members are recognized for their various contributions by entities at the school, community, and state levels.

The district celebrates Staff Appreciation Days by acknowledging different occupations, helping to ensure that all staff feel valued for their hard work and dedication.

Below are a few notable awards and recognitions that highlight the exceptional efforts of our team.

teacher para staff of the year

Teacher, Para & Staff of the Year: Led by the Williston Parent Advisory Council (PAC), public voting took place in the spring to recognize outstanding contributions within the district. Awards were presented to a teacher, paraeducator, and staff member from each school and district building, celebrating their hard work and commitment to supporting our students and community.

In May, Kari Hall, a social studies teacher at Williston High School, was awarded the 2024 Williams County Teacher of the Year Award by the North Dakota Department of Instruction. This prestigious recognition highlights her dedication to education and the positive impact she has on her students and the community.

teacher of the year

Our dedicated staff and exceptional programs were honored with prestigious CTE awards from the North Dakota Department of Career and Technical Education at the CTE Professional Development Conference.

The Williston High School Aviation Technology program, under the leadership of Thomas Sando and Kenzi Brown, received the Director's Award of Excellence, recognizing its outstanding performance in the Trade, Industry, and Technical Education program area.

CTE Awards

CTE Awards

Additionally, Haley Jeannotte, our Career Development Counselor, was awarded the NDACTE Counseling and Career Development Professional Award for 2024, highlighting her significant contributions to the success of Career and Technical Education.

We had the privilege of honoring eight WBSD7 retirees at a lovely retirement dinner in May. Their dedication, hard work, and commitment have made a lasting impact on our school community, and we are grateful for the contributions they have made throughout their careers.

HR Policies and Benefits

We established a wellness committee and provided benefited staff with free memberships to the Williston Area Recreation Center, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle among our employees. This initiative reflects our commitment to supporting the well-being of our staff, encouraging them to prioritize their health and wellness.