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ND Superintendent Kirsten Baesler’s Nomination as U.S. Assistant Secretary Advances to Full Senate
North Dakota State Superintendent of Public Instruction Kirsten Baesler’s nomination to serve as the U.S. Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education has advanced to the full United States Senate.
Baesler’s nomination was approved today by the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) in an en bloc vote advancing seven of President Trump’s nominees. The vote passed along party lines, 12-11. Baesler’s nomination will now move to the full Senate for consideration. A date for the final confirmation vote has not yet been announced.
“I am grateful for the Senate HELP Committee’s vote and honored for the opportunity to support our nation’s students, families, and teachers,” Baesler said. “If confirmed by the Senate, I am committed to working closely with my colleagues for continued progress in serving students effectively.”
Baesler has served as North Dakota’s elected State Superintendent since 2013 and was re-elected to her fourth four-year term in 2024. Under her leadership, the state has made significant progress in personalized, competency-based learning; launched the state’s first registered teacher and principal apprenticeship programs; created a transformational, comprehensive state assessment system; and increased the number of students graduating “Choice Ready” from 21% in 2018 to 71% in 2024.
Baesler has stated she will resign her current position upon full Senate confirmation. Governor Kelly Armstrong will appoint her successor, who will serve until the 2026 general election. That election will determine who fills the remaining two years of Baesler’s term.
It’s True: Preparation for the Next Legislative Session Beginning
The 2025 Legislature is barely over, and the work on the 2027 session is beginning. The Legislature has a committee known as the Legislative Management, which includes both Republican and Democratic leaders, that supervises the business of the Legislature between sessions. This committee decides which issues will be the subjects of interim studies in the run-up to the 2027 session.
The Legislative Management is holding its first meeting at 9 a.m. Wednesday, May 25. During this meeting, members will decide on topics to be studied within the next 18 months, including those relating to education.
In mid-June, the Legislative Management will meet again to put together the network of interim committees that will do the study work. That meeting has not yet been scheduled.
The Legislative Management’s meeting notice is here. A video link that you may use to watch the meeting remotely is here.
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BRIDGE Reminder: SIS Prep "Extra Credit" Opportunities
As Infinite Campus engagement begins this October, LEAs are encouraged to complete key prep tasks to ensure a smooth transition to the new SIS.
Extra Credit Opportunities:
✅ Clean Your Data: Standardize addresses, verify guardianship and contact info, and remove special characters in PowerSchool.
✅ Inventory Your Reports: List which PowerSchool reports you’ll need replicated in Infinite Campus.
✅ Track Third-Party Vendors: Gather logins, admin contacts, and data exchange info for systems integrating with Infinite Campus.
These steps will support seamless data migration as we roll out BRIDGE and improve data quality.
Want to learn more about BRIDGE in person? Join us at one of these summer events to explore how BRIDGE will streamline data systems and support your district:
- 🔥IgniteND – June 3–5 at Bismarck State College
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👥NDCEL Summer Conference – June 17, 2:15-2:45 p.m., at Mandan High School
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🛠️Back-to- School Drill Down – Aug. 6 – State Capitol
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Consolidated Application Training & Key Deadlines
The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI) hosted a Consolidated Application training webinar on May 15. If you missed it or would like to review the material, both the recording and slide deck are available below:
🗓️ Upcoming Deadlines:
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June 26, 2025, by 5 p.m. CDT – Consolidated Application narrative due
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August 28, 2025, by 5 p.m. CDT – Consolidated Application budget(s) due
📞 Questions? Contact Lauri Nord at (701) 328-2282
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES |
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EduTech is hosting virtual trainings to help you wrap up the school year efficiently. Each session will be hosted via Microsoft Teams and is designed to support PowerSchool users in critical end-of-year processes.
📅 Training Schedule:
Tuesday, May 27
• PowerLunch End of Year Exports – 10 a.m. CDT
Wednesday, May 28
• EOY Checker – 10 a.m. CDT
• Cleaning up Enrollment Dates – 2 p.m. CDT
Thursday, May 29
• Student Data Cleanup (Contacts) – 9 a.m. CDT
• Graduating Seniors – 10:30 a.m. CDT
Friday, May 30
• PowerLunch End of Year Exports – 9 a.m. CDT
Level Up Your Tech Game This Summer!
Get ready for three powerful days of in-person innovation and inspiration at Bismarck State College, June 3–5, 2025! Whether you're a teacher, tech coordinator, or STEM enthusiast, this event offers hands-on learning in computer science, cybersecurity, and essential digital-age skills.
✅ Earn or renew your ND Level 3 Computer Science and Cybersecurity Credential
✅ Explore 21st-century tools and teaching strategies
✅ Every time slot includes sessions designed for Tech Coordinators
✅ All pre-registered attendees receive a micro:bit kit and the book STEAM Power: Infusing Art Into Your STEM Curriculum
💻 Registration:
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$149 through May 23 (just extended!)
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$189 from May 24 to June 1
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Sponsor registration available through May 15
📩 Questions? Email bsc.training@bismarckstate.edu or call (701) 224-5600
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, create, and inspire the future of digital education!
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Armstrong announces 2025 Governor's Band and Chorus from St. Mary's Central and Davies High School
Gov. Kelly Armstrong and First Lady Kjersti Armstrong on May 16 announced that the St. Mary’s Central High School Wind Orchestra of Bismack and the Davies High School Vivace group of Fargo have been selected as the Governor’s Official State Band/Orchestra Program and Choral Program for the 2025-2026 school year.
The St. Mary’s Central High School Wind Orchestra is made up of 55 of the top instrumentalists in grades 9-12 and is currently under the direction of Anne Chambers. The Davies High School Vivace choir is directed by Carly Grandner McDougall and features 24 students in grades 10-12.
The Governor’s Band and Chorus were selected from applications submitted by school and civic groups from across the state based on musical talent, achievement and community involvement. They may be invited to perform at official state functions throughout the year.
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North Dakota Students Shine in Stock Market Game™
Student teams across North Dakota earned top honors in the Spring 2025 and Year-Long Stock Market Game™, hosted by the SIFMA Foundation and the North Dakota Securities Department. The game helps students develop real-world financial literacy by managing a simulated $100,000 investment portfolio.
Winning Teams
Spring 2025
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Middle School (7–9): Memorial Middle School, Minot – 1st & 2nd Place
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High School (10–12): Legacy High School, Bismarck – 1st & 2nd Place
Year-Long Session
The Stock Market Game helps students build knowledge in economics, math, and personal finance while sharpening their decision-making and critical thinking skills. Through teamwork, real-time trading, and strategic planning, participants gain experience with long-term investing and socially responsible choices—all aligned with North Dakota education standards and STEM goals.
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 The North Dakota Health & Human Services team invites you to the 5th Annual Behavioral Health & Children and Family Services Conference, on October 20–23, 2025, at the Bismarck Event Center.
This year’s event will bring together professionals from across the state and beyond — both in person and virtually — to learn, connect, and share best practices in behavioral health and family services.
Tentative Schedule:
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Pre-Conference: Monday, Oct. 20 | 1 – 5 p.m.
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Main Conference: Tuesday–Thursday, Oct. 21–23 | 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
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Post-Conference: Thursday, Oct. 23 | 1 – 5 p.m.
📌 More details on the agenda, speakers, and CEU opportunities will be released this summer!
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The NDDPI Messenger is sent out on a weekly or as-needed basis. Visit our website to view previous NDDPI Messenger/Weekly Blast bulletins.
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