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Armstrong appoints Levi Bachmeier to serve as next North Dakota Superintendent of Public Instruction
Gov. Kelly Armstrong on Tuesday appointed West Fargo School District Business Manager Levi Bachmeier to serve as North Dakota’s next Superintendent of Public Instruction, citing his strong track record of supporting innovation and accountability in the K-12 education system.
“Levi has established himself as a trusted voice and highly capable leader in K-12 education over the past decade. He played an instrumental role in the Innovative Education Task Force during his time as education policy adviser in the Governor’s Office and has continued to guide education in North Dakota through his service on the State Board of Public School Education, Career and Technical Education Board, and State Board of Higher Education,” Armstrong said. “His experience as a classroom teacher, education policy analyst and business manager in North Dakota’s fastest-growing school district will serve our students and parents well as we strive to ensure all K-12 students graduate choice-ready for college, career, or the military.”
Bachmeier has served as business manager of the West Fargo School District since 2019. From 2016 to 2019 he served as education policy adviser and policy director for then-Gov. Doug Burgum. Bachmeier previously taught high school social studies for two years with Teach for America and spent a summer as a policy analyst fellow at the U.S. Department of Education.
Bachmeier will assume the state superintendent’s role upon the resignation of current Superintendent Kirsten Baesler, who was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on Oct. 7 to serve as assistant secretary for elementary and secondary education in the U.S. Department of Education. He will serve as state superintendent through the November 2026 general election, when voters will determine who completes the four-year term that runs through 2028.
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BRIDGE Project: Implementation Updates and Training Support
As North Dakota continues its statewide transition to Infinite Campus through the BRIDGE project, several important updates are now underway to support successful district implementation.
Data Extraction Contract Signed
The data extraction contract to support districts with data migration has been finalized. Additional details and next steps will be shared with districts by the end of the month. This resource will help ensure data is transferred accurately and securely as part of the statewide modernization effort.
Implementation Resources and Training
District implementation support materials—including an updated Infinite Campus Implementation Flyer—are available to help local education agencies (LEAs) prepare for rollout. Infinite Campus will serve as the primary provider of technical and implementation support throughout the project, ensuring consistent guidance and assistance for all districts. For additional information, districts can visit the Infinite Campus North Dakota Dashboard.
Local Collaboration and Support
Regional Education Associations (REAs) will not have their own Infinite Campus instance. Districts should collaborate with their REA for support if necessary, especially in areas such as training coordination and professional learning. Collaboration among districts, REAs, and other local partners remains essential to ensure a smooth implementation process and to strengthen shared learning across the state.
Office Hours
During BRIDGE Office Hours, attendees have a direct opportunity to submit questions, clarify project details, and engage in conversation with the BRIDGE project team. This month's Office Hours were held Oct. 22, at 12 p.m. and 4 p.m.
View Recordings
NDDPI appreciates all districts and partners for their continued collaboration and commitment as we move forward together in this important statewide transition.
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Administrative Rules Public Comment Hearing
NDDPI will hold a public comment hearing on Tuesday, Dec. 2, at 9:30 a.m. CST in the Brynhild Haugland Room at the State Capitol.
The hearing will provide an opportunity for the public to comment on the proposed revisions to administrative rules relating to:
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School construction loan application and loan approval
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Standards for school buses
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School district cooperative agreements
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Special education
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Mathematics curriculum
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Assessment of school buildings
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Public charter schools
Those unable to attend in person may submit comments by email, mail, or telephone until 5 p.m. CST on Monday, Dec. 15.
For details on how to submit comments and to review the proposed rule changes, please see the full Notice of Intent to Revise Administrative Rules.
Please contact Jim Upgren at 701-328-2244 with questions or to provide public comment.
Updated Virtual Education FAQ Guidance
NDDPI has published an updated Virtual Education FAQ for districts and the North Dakota Center for Distance Education (NDCDE). The FAQ answers common questions about offering virtual instruction, whether delivered by a district or through NDCDE, and includes links to NDCDE guidance and policies.
Key reminders
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Districts must pay for any NDCDE course taken by their enrolled students, even if the district offers the same course locally.
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Districts may set add/drop deadlines for NDCDE courses that match in-person deadlines.
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Districts may establish policies requiring students to remain on campus while taking online courses.
Questions? Contact Jim Upgren at 701-328-2244.
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES |
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Title I Schoolwide Reporting Training Dates
Please review the dates below and mark your calendars! We would love to see you there!
Reminder: Schools that are in a schoolwide planning year are required to attend the following trainings.
Links for these upcoming meetings will be sent closer to the event. All webinars will be held from 3-4 p.m. CT.
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Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025 – TA/SW Record-Keeping/Monitoring webinar.
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Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026 – Midyear Schoolwide Title I Reporting Review.
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Thursday, March 26, 2026 – Requirements for Annual Schoolwide Title I Reporting.
If you have any questions, please contact Michelle Siegfried at (701) 328-3544.
Amira Learning – Office Hours
Amira is offering North Dakota-specific office hours for questions and overviews of Amira assessment and tutoring features.
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Dates: Friday, Oct. 31, and Friday, Nov. 14
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Time: 8-8:30 a.m. (Central)
If you have questions, please reach out to our Amira Learning Success Manager Shauny Cooley.
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AP Coordinator Webinar: Growing Your AP Program
Date: Nov. 4, 2025
Time: 3:30-4:15 p.m. CT
Who Should Attend: AP Coordinators, Building Administrators, Counselors
Learn how schools in North Dakota are using AP Precalculus and AP Seminar to expand students' opportunities. This webinar will feature a panel of North Dakota educators who have implemented these courses. The panelists will share their experiences and the impact these courses have had on student learning and opportunity. The panelists will share experiences in both smaller rural and large schools.
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OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS |
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 America’s Field Trip Contest Invites ND Students to Reflect on America’s 250th Anniversary
As the nation prepares to celebrate 250 years of independence, students in grades 3–12 have a unique opportunity to share their voices through America’s Field Trip, a national contest sponsored by America250.
Students are invited to respond to the prompt “What does America mean to you?” through writing or artwork. Winning entries will earn one-of-a-kind field trip experiences to historic sites across the country.
North Dakota’s own ND250 Commission, created by the legislature to represent the state in this national celebration, encourages schools to take part as a way to inspire civic pride and reflection leading up to July 4, 2026.
📅 Submissions are due March 30, 2026.
🔗 Learn more and access classroom resources at america250.org/fieldtrip.
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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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