On October 7, 2025, the U.S. Senate confirmed Kirsten Baesler, North Dakota’s longtime Superintendent of Public Instruction, to serve as Assistant Secretary for Elementary & Secondary Education in the U.S. Department of Education.
Her confirmation marks a transition for Bismarck and the entire state as she steps onto the national stage.
Baesler has deep roots in the Bismarck area — before state office, she spent 24 years in Bismarck Public Schools as a teacher, library media specialist, vice principal, and instructional assistant.
While confirmed by a narrow 51–47 Senate vote as part of a block of over 100 nominations, her official swearing-in is delayed by the current federal government shutdown. Once she vacates the state post, Governor Kelly Armstrong will appoint an interim superintendent until the 2026 general election.
Her nomination was backed by North Dakota Senators John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer, who praised her background and experience. The office she will lead handles critical K-12 federal programs — including Title I funding and enforcement of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).
Voices from Bismarck & Beyond
“It’s a major win for North Dakota and the entire country when we send common-sense leaders like Superintendent Baesler to Washington.”
— Gov. Kelly Armstrong
“She will be a great partner as we work to both improve outcomes for students and return decision-making to the state and local levels.”
— Sen. John Hoeven on Baesler’s confirmation
Many in Bismarck’s education community see this as both a proud moment and a time of uncertainty. One local teacher (speaking on background) told us:
“We’re proud someone from our classrooms is stepping into D.C., but we also worry about leadership gaps at home.”
What Bismarck Should Watch Next
Issue | Why It Matters to Bismarck |
|---|---|
Interim leadership at DPI | Who is chosen locally will set tone for upcoming transitions in Bismarck schools |
Federal funding shifts | Baesler’s new role could influence how much Title I and other K-12 grants flow to ND |
Policy alignment | Local districts may align with or diverge from Baesler’s national priorities |
Timing of swearing-in | The federal shutdown could delay when Baesler actually assumes duties |
Kirsten Baesler’s confirmation is a landmark moment for Bismarck, elevating a local educator to the national stage. While the path ahead has uncertainty — from federal shutdown delays to who leads North Dakota’s Department of Public Instruction next — the move could ultimately bring new influence and resources to our city’s schools.
