Rick Diegel, Kidder County Public Schools, has been named the North Dakota Superintendent of the Year by the North Dakota Association of School Administrators (NDASA), as part of the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) Superintendent of the Year Program sponsored by Sourcewell and Corebridge Financial. This program pays tribute to the talent and vision of the men and women who lead the nation’s public schools.
As the North Dakota Superintendent of the Year, Diegel will compete with other State winners for the National Superintendent of the Year award. He will also be honored along with other finalists at the National Conference on Education in New Orleans, TN, in March 2025.
Rick Diegel grew up in Wolsey, SD. His father was a diesel mechanic, and his mother was a teacher for nearly 40 years. He has three adult children, two of whom are serving in the field of education. He also has four grandchildren who light up his life every day and who will likely be encouraged to be educators as well. He’s been married to his wife Paula since 1987. Paula has said repeatedly that there is no person in North Dakota as passionate about the success of kids as Rick.
Rick is in his 38th year in education, whereby the past 25 years have been spent as a Superintendent. This is his 10th year serving in Kidder County. He’s also spent time working in the communities of Edgeley, ND as a principal and superintendent for 15 years. Last year Rick offered his talents by serving as the Superintendent for Kidder County and Linton Public Schools driving between communities and often sleeping on a cot in his office when away from home so he could dedicate time to each district and ensure student success. Rick also serves in leadership positions such as the Co-Chair of the NDCEL/NDASA Legislative Focus Group, a member of the NDASA Governing Board, as well as other statewide offices and workgroups.
Rick is often referred to as the Godfather of Class B small schools in North Dakota. He’s lived by a guiding principle: “Last names don’t matter; everyone is held accountable.” This mantra has shaped his leadership in every role. That guiding principle is in play regardless of if he’s working with students, teachers, or parents. His colleagues appreciate Rick as a person who will help anyone – new or veteran, who will share his talents at conferences and trainings…and when he does – his room is always full. Superintendents around the state carry the same respect and love for Rick as his school community does. His focus is on kids and wherever he goes students’ success improves.
The ND Association of School Administrators and the North Dakota Council of Educational Leaders congratulate Rick Diegel on this well-deserved achievement.