BISMARCK, N.D. — Earlier this week, the North Dakota Association of Secondary School Principals (NDASSP), as part of the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) recognition program, has named Rick Wilson, Assistant Principal at West Fargo High School in West Fargo, as the 2026 North Dakota High School Assistant Principal of the Year. The award was presented at the NDCEL Mid-Winter Conference in Bismarck.
The NASSP Assistant Principal of the Year program recognizes outstanding middle level and high school assistant principals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in providing high-quality learning opportunities for students, fostering positive school culture, and contributing meaningfully to the profession. Each state selects one assistant principal to represent its schools and communities through this prestigious recognition.
According to the press release, Mr. Wilson served as a mathematics teacher before moving into administration in 2020, when Mr. Wilson accepted the role of Dean of Students at Sheyenne High School, where he served for two years and was recognized as Sheyenne High School Staff Member of the Year in 2022. Later that same year, he returned to West Fargo High School to serve as assistant principal.
Throughout his career, Mr. Wilson has been surrounded by exceptional teacher mentors and leadership mentors who have shaped his philosophy and practice as an educator. He credits these individuals for modeling professionalism, care, and a relentless focus on students. Most notably, Mr. Wilson recognized Dr. Rachel Bachmeier, principal of West Fargo High School, whose leadership continues to push and guide him each day to become a stronger leader and a better human.
During his tenure at West Fargo High School, Mr. Wilson has served as a key change agent in developing and implementing the school’s Cohort Model, where educators should “know our students in October the way we used to know them in March,” the model brings teams of teachers together to intentionally build strong relationships with students, collaborate in supporting their needs, and help students take ownership of their personal and academic stories. The Cohort Model reflects Mr. Wilson’s commitment to relationship-driven leadership and student-centered systems.
Wilson has been married to his wife Allison for 16 years and they are the parents of sons Ryker and Maverick, raising them in the country in rural Kindred, North Dakota. He credits Allison as his greatest supporter through the challenges and celebrations of his career in education.
In accepting this award, Wilson expressed that he was grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside outstanding colleagues and honored to represent assistant principals across North Dakota through this recognition.
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