US Education Department Staff Cuts and Their Impact
On Tuesday, the U.S. Education Department announced it is initiating a reduction in force. About half of the department’s workforce is being put on administrative leave starting Friday, March 21. The department's press release has more about this.
Our national partner, the Council of Chief State School Officers, has been working to understand these changes' impact on K-12 education programs and state education agencies. The Department of Education is developing lists of frequently asked questions (FAQ) for distribution.
Education Department officials have said the staff reduction should not affect the distribution of formula funds. We will continue to keep you informed as we learn more about the changing landscape.
 COVID: An Anniversary to Forget
On Saturday comes the fifth anniversary of an event that is painful to recall – then-Governor Burgum’s announcement that North Dakota’s K-12 schools would be closed by executive order from Monday, March 16, to Friday, March 20, to “slow the spread” of COVID-19.
As we all remember, this temporary closure lasted through the end of the 2019-20 school year. Our teachers were asked to switch to online instruction. Graduations and sports tournaments were canceled. Our schools didn’t reopen for face-to-face teaching until summer programs began in June 2020, and during the following school year, our teachers juggled face-to-face and virtual instruction. It was a stressful time for everyone.
Today, in the wake of the pandemic, we continue to focus on ways to improve instruction and repair the pandemic’s lingering challenges for education, through programs that strengthen instruction in reading, mathematics, computer science, and other subjects.
Virtual classrooms have gained prominence as a teaching option; the Center for Distance Education, which provides a comprehensive curriculum for K-12 students, is increasingly popular, and our state legislators have made it easier for students and their families to use its services.
Our Department of Public Instruction team and our school districts did a thorough, responsible job of managing the federal recovery aid that Congress provided. These financed initiatives that benefited North Dakota students and their families.
We will continue to learn the lessons of the pandemic as we move forward, and we thank all of our great North Dakota educators for continuing their work and commitment to students.
 Armstrong Accepting Applications for Governor’s Band/Orchestra and Choral Programs
Gov. Kelly Armstrong today announced the application period is now open for school, community and church bands, orchestras and choirs across North Dakota to apply to serve as the Governor’s Official State Band/Orchestra Program and Choral Program for the 2025-2026 school year.
From the applications received, the Governor and First Lady will select the two groups based on musical talent, achievement and community involvement. The governor may invite them to perform at official state functions held throughout the year, including the State of the State Address.
Interested groups should submit an application, references and a musical recording to the Governor’s Office by 5 p.m. Friday, April 4. The Governor’s Band/Orchestra Program and Governor’s Choral Program will be announced in April and may be invited to perform at the Capitol in May 2025 and at events throughout the 2025-2026 school year.
OTHER UPDATES
ASVAB Postponements and Cancellations
NDDPI is compiling feedback from schools regarding the widespread issue of ASVAB postponements and cancellations.
If your school has had an ASVAB exam postponed or cancelled during the 2024-2025 school year, please email Jim Upgren by the end of the day on Tuesday, March 18, with the following information:
- How many times have you had a scheduled ASVAB exam postponed or cancelled this school year?
- Were you eventually able to get an ASVAB exam scheduled for your school that was not cancelled?
- How many Class of 2025 seniors still need the ASVAB for the North Dakota Scholarship but have not yet had the opportunity to take the ASVAB due to postponement/cancellation?
 Supporting Military Youth
April is designated as the Month of the Military Child, a time to honor the unique sacrifices and contributions of military youth. These remarkable children face all the typical challenges of childhood, along with additional hurdles such as frequent relocations both within the U.S. and internationally, extended parental deployments, and the need to adapt to new schools and make new friends every two to four years.
On April 4, 2025, Governor Armstrong will host these extraordinary children at the State Capitol for Month of the Military Child Proclamation Day. You can join in recognizing their strength and resilience by participating in Spirit Week March 31-April 4, and sharing your event photos on social media using the hashtag #PurpleUpND.
School Superintendent's Association Highlights ND RAP-T
North Dakota has strengthened the Registered Apprenticeship Program for Teachers (RAP-T) over the past two and a half years while working with Arizona State University (ASU) to provide opportunities for our schools to implement strategic staffing models and incorporate the Lead Teacher concept. Last week, a team comprised of NDDPI and ASU representatives and Fargo Public Schools staff had an opportunity to present at a School Superintendents Association (AASA) conference last week to share some of the RAP-T program successes.
In the clip below, Fargo Superintendent Rupak Gandhi highlights North Dakota’s RAP-T and discusses how his district is working to infuse new workforce concepts into their public school systems. Additionally, attendees learned how these collaborative initiatives and strategies will develop the future educator workforce.
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