Williston Basin School District #7 Announces New Administrators

Williston Basin School District has announced the hiring of four administrators for the 2025–2026 school year. These leaders bring a strong foundation of instructional experience and deep commitment to student success. 

Let me introduce you to these new administrators.

Rickard Elementary Principal
Cory Fleck

Cory Fleck has worked in education for more than 22 years, teaching, coaching, and leading school administration. His most recent job was as a teaching coach in the Williston Basin School District #7. Mr. Fleck was principal and superintendent at Williston Trinity Christian School from 2015 to 2021. He was in charge of over 280 students in grades PreK–12 and the school's overall program.

It's also worth noting that Mr. Fleck has taught science at Williston High School, been vice principal and activities director at WTCS, and coached basketball at both the high school and college levels.

The University of North Dakota gave Mr. Fleck a Bachelor of Science in Natural Science. Minnesota State University – Moorhead gave him a Bachelor of Science in Life Science Education. And Rocky Mountain College gave him a master's in educational leadership.

Mr. Fleck and his wife have been married for 24 years and they have two kids, Dawson and Micah. Mr. Fleck is active in the Williston community and is excited to return to school leadership and help train the leaders of tomorrow.

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Hagan Elementary Assistant Principal 
Elizabeth Bauer

Elizabeth Bauer will be the assistant principal at Hagan Elementary School. She has been a teacher for 16 years. She taught first, second, fourth, and fifth grades, worked as a math planner for sixth through eighth graders, and is now a sixth-grade math teacher at Williston Middle School Central Campus.

The Bachelor's degree Mrs. Bauer has is in elementary education from Minnesota State University Moorhead. The Master's degree she has is in educational leadership from Western Governors University.

Mrs. Bauer likes to fish, travel with her family, and spend time at the lake when she's not at school. Robert is a Lead Operator at ONEOK, and she is married to him. They have two kids. They also have two Springer Spaniels as pets.

Williston Middle School Central Campus Assistant Principal

Sarah Heise

Sarah Heise, who has been teaching for over 11 years, is now an assistant principal at WMSCC. She has worked as an instructional coach, a kindergarten teacher, and a special education teacher before becoming the alternative classroom teacher at WMSCC. Mrs. Heise has a lot of experience as an educational leader, helping students and building relationships.

It was at Minnesota State University–Moorhead that she earned a master's degree in special education and a specialist degree in educational leadership. Mrs. Heise really wants to make schools welcoming places where everyone feels like they belong and where families are valuable partners in education.

Mrs. Heise loves life with her three kids and husband, Mr. Heise, who teaches PE at Garden Valley.

Williston Middle School Central Campus Assistant Principal

Susan LaBar

Susan LaBar has been teaching in Williston for 18 years and is now a science teacher at WMSCC for sixth graders. She has taught first, fourth, sixth, and seventh grade, so she has a lot of knowledge with different grade levels and how students learn and what they need in school.

The University of North Dakota gave Mrs. LaBar a bachelor's degree in elementary education and a Master's degree in reading education. The University of Mary gave her a Master's degree in teacher leadership.

Mrs. LaBar has lived in Williston her whole life and has strong ties to the town. During her free time, she leads group fitness classes at the ARC, performs in local theater with Entertainment, Inc!, and loves going on trips with her husband, JC LaBar.

Williston Basin School District #7 is excited to welcome these talented leaders to their new roles. With their experience, dedication, and passion for education, the district is confident they will make a positive impact on students, staff, and the broader community in the 2025–2026 school year and beyond.