On Friday, Feb. 6, the North Dakota Association of Elementary School Principals (NDAESP), in partnership with the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), announced that Kim Krogfoss, principal of the Minnie H Kindergarten Center from Devils Lake Public Schools, has been selected as North Dakota’s 2026 National Distinguished Principal.
According to a news release from North Dakota Newspaper Association and the North Dakota Council of Educational Leaders, NAESP’s National Distinguished Principal program honors outstanding elementary and middle-level principals across the nation who ensure that America’s children acquire a strong foundation for lifelong learning and achievement. Each year, principals from across the country and U.S. overseas schools are recognized for exemplary leadership, innovation, and dedication to student success.
The statement read, “Principal Krogfoss represents the best of educational leadership in North Dakota, her work reflects a deep commitment to student achievement, a positive school climate, and strong partnerships with families and the community. She has truly transformed what is possible for young learners.”
One of Krogfoss’s most significant accomplishments has been leading the creation of the Minnie H Kindergarten Center, which opened in 2015. Under her leadership, the school was redesigned into a dedicated kindergarten center that provides children with an exceptional start to their educational journey. Families often describe the environment as “magical,” reflecting the warmth, intentional design, and mission-driven culture built by Krogfoss and her staff.
According to the press release, family and community partnerships are central to student success at Minnie H Kindergarten Center. The school offers preschool screenings, kindergarten readiness initiatives, and monthly engagement opportunities that connect families directly to learning. Through consistent communication, early support systems, and enrichment programming, Krogfoss has fostered a school community where every child is holistically supported.
Krogfoss is also recognized for cultivating an exceptional school climate through high expectations, visibility, collaborative leadership, and strong professional learning communities. Her commitment to staff development, shared ownership, and celebrating daily successes has helped create a culture where educators and students thrive.
As North Dakota’s National Distinguished Principal, Krogfoss will be honored alongside other state winners at a national celebration hosted by NAESP in Washington, D.C., later this year.
For more information about the National Distinguished Principal program, visit naesp.org.
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