Watford City principal earns statewide recognition for educational excellence
By M.K. French
Farmer Staff Writer
“It is an extreme honor to be recognized at the state level for the work I have been a part of in Watford City,” said Mr. Green, principal of Watford City High School, upon receiving the prestigious Excellence in North Dakota Education Award from the Department of Public Instruction.
Green, who has dedicated the last five years to leading Watford City High School, shared his journey into education, beginning in his hometown of Wahpeton. “I always liked school and I was good at it,” he explained. “I found myself helping many other students in my classes find success and I have always enjoyed teaching others. I wanted to get into administration to expand my impact on students beyond just my classroom.” His path led him through teaching and coaching roles in Minnesota and back in Wahpeton, where he earned his master’s in educational leadership before seizing the opportunity in Watford City.
While deeply committed to his role as principal, Green finds solace and passion in the North Dakota outdoors. “I really enjoy hunting and being outdoors,” he said. “One thing I love about Watford City is that we are in the absolute best location to take advantage of everything the North Dakota Outdoors has to offer.”
Reflecting on the award, Green admitted to being “a little surprised,” emphasizing the many deserving individuals in education across the state. He sees the recognition as a validation of the collective efforts at Watford City High School. “We are not like most other schools, we are a growing and dynamic school and with that comes a lot of stress, sacrifice and determination to make things happen. It is quite validating when someone else recognizes the work that our team at Watford City High School does each and every year.”
He credits the “hard work and vision of everyone at Watford City High School” for his selection, noting the growing recognition of their innovative work in McKenzie County. Expanding on an Instagram post by McKenzie County Schools highlighting his “incredible impact,” Green described his role as “being the captain of the ship and guiding the school on where to go.”
Guiding his leadership is a “students first” mindset. “In every decision I try to think about what is best for students and stick as closely to that as possible,” Green stated. He emphasizes gathering feedback to make informed decisions that serve the students’ best interests.
Among the key initiatives he championed, Green proudly highlighted the establishment of the Wolves Center Academy alternative high school and the Watford City Virtual Academy. “These have been enormous undertakings but ultimately create more opportunities for students to graduate and be educated in a way that suits their needs,” he explained, noting the success with students who previously struggled in traditional settings. He also lauded the integration with the Bakken Area Skills Center (BASC), providing students with career-aligned learning opportunities.
Addressing the challenges facing education today, particularly the teacher shortage, Green drew upon his experience on Governor Burgam’s Teacher Retention and Recruitment Task Force. He believes a decline in the perceived value of education contributes significantly to this issue. Locally, Watford City High School is actively working to address staff satisfaction through surveys and is developing an education pathway for local students to encourage them to enter the teaching profession and return to their community.
Looking ahead, Green hopes the award will serve as a “great reminder of the good work we have done” and inspire continued progress. His primary goal for the high school is to “prepare all students as best as possible for whatever career they choose after graduation.” This includes a flexible schedule and increased efforts to improve standardized test scores.
In his acknowledgements, Green expressed deep gratitude for his wife, Dr. Noelle Green, Assistant Principal Dr. Bridget Ryberg, Superintendent Dr. Steve Holen, the school board, and all the teachers and staff. To the supportive community, he offered a heartfelt “thank you” emphasizing their welcoming nature and the reason Watford City has become home. Reflecting on the achievement itself, Green reiterated that the award reflects the efforts of a dedicated team. “I know I won the award but I truly believe our team won the award because I could not accomplish anything without them.”
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