Jefferson Elementary Principal Named FPS Administrator of the Year

Beth Olson recognized for her leadership in improving school performance and strengthening the school community.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 4:22pm

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Beth Olson, the principal of Jefferson Elementary School in Fargo, North Dakota, has been named the 2026 Fargo Public Schools Administrator of the Year. Olson has been with the district since 2012 and has served as the principal of Jefferson Elementary since 2019. Under her leadership, the school was recently removed from the state's school improvement list after she led efforts to improve the school's performance.

Why it matters

Olson's recognition highlights the important role principals play in driving academic improvement and fostering a positive school culture. Her work at Jefferson Elementary demonstrates how strong leadership can make a significant difference in the lives of students, staff, and the broader school community.

The details

Olson 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 she 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 before becoming the principal at Jefferson Elementary in 2019.

  • Olson has been the principal of Jefferson Elementary School since 2019.
  • In November, Olson and Jefferson Elementary School celebrated its multi-year journey to being removed from the state's school improvement list.

The players

Beth Olson

The principal of Jefferson Elementary School in Fargo, North Dakota, who has been named the 2026 Fargo Public Schools Administrator of the Year.

Dr. Cory Steiner

The superintendent of Fargo Public Schools who made the surprise announcement of Olson's award.

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The takeaway

Olson's recognition as the Fargo Public Schools Administrator of the Year underscores the critical role principals play in driving academic improvement and fostering a positive school culture. Her work at Jefferson Elementary demonstrates how strong leadership can make a significant difference in the lives of students, staff, and the broader school community.