Assault Charges Dropped Against Baesler

A simple assault charge against North Dakota’s Superintendent of Public Instruction has been dropped.

Kirsten Beasler had pleaded not guilty to the charge and was going to stand trial Monday.

She was arrested last month in Bismarck after police responded to a report of a domestic assault.

Authorities say she struck fiance Todd Tschosik and injured his face.

Baesler maintained that she was concerned about her safety.

She was elected North Dakota’s top public education official in November 2012.