Grand Forks Career Impact Academy executive director named finalist for national CTE award

GRAND FORKS — Eric Ripley, executive director of career and technical education with Grand Forks Public Schools, has been named a national award finalist by the Association for Career and Technical Education. Ripley is one of five finalists for the 2027 Administrator of the Year Award, according to an ACTE news release. Each of the finalists represents one of the ACTE s regions; Ripley represents Region V, which includes 16 states and two U.S. territories. The winner will be announced at the organization s awards gala Dec. 2 in New Orleans. The gala honors the nation s top CTE professionals and recognizes their outstanding contributions to student success and workforce development. In announcing the national award finalists, the ACTE said, Through his visionary leadership, sustained advocacy and unwavering dedication, Eric Ripley continues to make a lasting impact on CTE programs and the students they serve, positioning learners for success both today and in the future.