Beth Olson, Jefferson Elementary School Principal
FARGO (KFGO) – Jefferson Elementary School Principal Beth Olson has been named the Fargo Public Schools 2026 Administrator of the Year.
Superintendent Dr. Cory Steiner made the surprise announcement on Wednesday at Jefferson Elementary.
Olson has been with Fargo Public Schools since 2012 and has been the principal of Jefferson Elementary School since 2019.
She began her education career in 1991 as a private school elementary teacher in Grand Forks and was a public school teacher in Grand Forks from 2003-2012.
When Olson came to Fargo in 2012, she was a second and fourth grade teacher at Kennedy Elementary School from 2012-16, a student performances strategist at Kennedy for the 2016-17 school year, and was the dean of students for Lewis & Clark Elementary School from 2017-19.
In November, Olson and Jefferson Elementary School celebrated its multi-year journey to being removed from the state’s school improvement list.
Jefferson’s staff, led by Olson, worked to improve the school’s performance and were removed from the list.
Her nominators say she approached this challenge with transparency, compassion, and unwavering determination. Her leadership not only improved measurable outcomes, but strengthened the culture, confidence and collective efficacy of the entire school.
Olson’s colleagues say she strengthens the diverse school community by forming authentic relationships with students, staff, and families and ensures everyone feels welcome and safe. Adding, she embodies kindness, patience, empathy, and compassion and creates an atmosphere where those around her feel valued and respected.
Olson holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Mayville State University and a Master of Educational Leadership from North Dakota State University.
She has also completed the North Dakota Coaches Academy training and holds a North Dakota principal’s credential. In the past year, she has been a YWCA Women of the Year nominee; a finalist for the Elementary School Principal of the Year by the North Dakota Association of Elementary School Principals; and received the Champion for Children Award from Families United for Self-Empowerment.
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