A Message from Superintendent Kirsten Baesler
Dear Education Leaders,
As indicated in our June 30, 2025, correspondence regarding FY 2025 U.S. Education Department (USED) Grant Funding, the department is committed to communicating with you clearly and quickly as we learn new information regarding the federal funding available to support schools and districts.
As of July 1, 2025, the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction has received 2025-2026 grant awards for the following programs and will continue application and disbursement processes:
- Title I, Part A – Improving Academic Achievement
- Title I, Part A Set Aside – School Improvement
- Title I, Part B – State Assessment
- Title I, Part D – Neglected and Delinquent
- Title V, Part B RLIS – Rural and Low-Income Schools
- Title V, Part B SRSA – Small, Rural School Achievement
- Title VII, Part B – Homeless Education
- IDEA B, 611 – Special Education for Ages 3-21
- IDEA B, 619 – Special Education for Ages 3-5
NDDPI has not received 2025-2026 grant awards for the following programs as they are still under review by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB):
- Title I, Part C – Migrant Education
- Title II, Part A – Preparing, Training, and Recruiting High Quality Educators
- Title III – English Language Instruction
- Title IV, Part A – Student Support and Academic Enrichment
- Title IV, Part B – 21st Century Community Learning
- Adult Education
Because North Dakota has not received these funds, NDDPI cannot distribute grants for the programs to North Dakota schools and districts. Districts may still choose to include these federal funds in their 2025–26 budget planning; however, using other local or district dollars to begin funding activities associated with these programs—in anticipation of future federal allocations—is done at the district’s own risk. If North Dakota does not receive these federal grant awards, NDDPI will be unable to reimburse districts for expenses incurred.
NDDPI will proceed with the Consolidated Application for Federal Title Funds, as the federal Title I Part A grant award has been issued and funding secured for the 2025-2026 school year. Maintaining the Consolidated Application timeline will enable swift distribution of grants if and when the other funds are released.
We are actively monitoring developments and remain in close contact with our federal partners. NDDPI will continue to provide timely updates as new information becomes available.
We are committed to maintaining transparent communication and supporting our educational communities through this period of uncertainty.
With appreciation,
Kirsten
BRIDGE Update: What Educators Need to Know
North Dakota’s BRIDGE initiative is modernizing how we collect, manage, and use K-12 education data statewide. As we move toward implementing Infinite Campus as our new Student Information System (SIS), here are a few key updates and answers to questions we’ve received from the field.
📱 Infinite Campus FAQs
- Q: Does Infinite Campus have a mobile app?
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A: Yes! Infinite Campus offers a user-friendly mobile app for students, families, and educators—making it easier than ever to stay connected on the go.
- Q: What is Nexus Innovations’ role with the BRIDGE project?
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A: Nexus Innovations is serving as the executive lead for BRIDGE throughout the next year. They also are providing critical support in project management, business analysis, and implementation planning to ensure a smooth transition.
- Q: Is there a list of approved vendors who work with Infinite Campus?
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A: Infinite Campus maintains a directory of Digital Learning Partners and supported applications to help ensure seamless integration. You can find the list here: Digital Learning Partners – Infinite Campus
📬 Have a question you’d like answered in a future FAQ? Let us know at BRIDGE@nd.gov. We’re committed to keeping you informed and supported every step of the way.
🗂️ Data Migration Support Underway
To support a smooth transition to Infinite Campus, NDDPI has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to assist with extracting and cleaning up existing data from PowerSchool and TieNet at both the state and district levels. The selected vendor will help align this data with Infinite Campus’ standards before import.
This work is a critical early step in the BRIDGE implementation timeline:
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RFP issued: June 2025
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Proposal deadline: July 2025
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Vendor awarded: August 2025
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Data extraction begins: August/September 2025
Districts can expect further communication and collaboration with their Infinite Campus implementation teams as this process moves forward.
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