BISMARCK – North Dakotans indicate strong public support for property tax reform and universal free school meals in new poll results released by North Dakota United. The findings also show two-thirds of North Dakotans oppose using public funds for private school tuition.

“These findings are striking,” said ND United President Nick Archuleta in an ND United news release. “They underscore that universal free school meals are just as important to North Dakotans as property tax reform. These results should be a clear guide for lawmakers. They reflect what we consistently hear from our members: every student should have the opportunity to succeed, and kids can’t focus on learning if they’re hungry.”

“Equally enlightening,” he said, “is the overwhelming percentage of North Dakotans who oppose the use of public tax dollars to pay for private school tuition. They know that paying for private school tuition does nothing to improve their local public schools, which more than 90% of North Dakota kids attend. It is clear that over two-thirds of North Dakotans oppose the idea, and I am sure they will let their opposition be known should a bill come forward advocating the use of public dollars for private school tuition.”

Americans for Prosperity-North Dakota (AFP-ND) also announced on Monday its 2025 “Pathway to Prosperity” legislative agenda, which focuses on several policy priorities, including education freedom. AFP-ND states it “supports legislation that empowers all students to pursue the education that fits their unique needs regardless of their zip code or family income levels.”

“AFP-ND is committed to expanding freedom for all North Dakotans, and that begins with education freedom,” said AFP-ND Deputy State Director Justin Forde. “Our state currently ranks last in education freedom, and our system is only holding our students back. This session, AFP-ND will support school choice legislation that empowers families to choose the education that fits their child best and ensures the greatest path to success.”

Key findings from the ND United poll include:

– 81% of respondents support property tax reform, with 61% saying property taxes are too high.

– 79% support universal free school lunches.

– 70% support raises for public employees.

– 68% oppose using public money for private school tuition.

– 67% support more public school funding.

– Only 10% believe a voucher program would benefit rural and urban families equally.

– 38% would give North Dakota schools a grade of B, while 30% would give a C. Only 7% would give schools an A.

Other results showed a high level of trust for teachers in the public education system. School principals and parents also generated trust, but respondents were somewhat less trustful of school administrators and board members. Trust levels were lowest with government officials and agencies.

Respondents identified teacher recruitment and retention and concerns about student preparedness upon graduation as two of the biggest challenges facing K-12 education in the state. They also identified insufficient funding and student behavior in classrooms as significant issues.

The poll was conducted by DFM Research in December with 600 North Dakota voters. The margin of error is plus or minus 4%, with 95% confidence.