Rugby Superintendent Michael McNeff named North Dakota's Superintendent of the Year
Oct. 29—RUGBY — An education leader in Rugby who taught in Petersburg and Devils Lake — and who earned a master's degree at UND — has been named North Dakota's Superintendent of the Year.
The announcement was sent to the media Friday from the NDASA, honoring Michael McNeff, who has been in the Rugby School District for 12 years. The award is part of the First Student, Core Bridge and AASA Superintendent of the Year Program, recognizing outstanding leaders in public education.
McNeff now will be forwarded to compete for the honor of National Superintendent of the Year. According to a release from the NDASA, McNeff will receive recognition alongside fellow finalists at the National Conference on Education in San Antonio, Texas, in February and in Washington D.C., in December.
A biography within the NDASA release noted that McNeff was born in Arizona and his early life "was marked by frequent moves and the challenges of a parent battling addiction. His journey took a positive turn in the ninth grade, when he found stability at his grandparents' home. Supported by his grandparents and inspired by dedicated teachers, McNeff turned his life around."
He earned his bachelor's degree in social science education at Valley City State University, where he also played football. He then taught and coached in Petersburg and Devils Lake, eventually earning a master's degree in educational leadership at UND.
He was a high school principal in Velva before becoming a superintendent. He completed his doctorate degree in 2014.
McNeff and his wife, Mandy, have four children.
