State Superintendent Kirsten Baesler confirmed for role in Dept. of Education

WASHINGTON, D.C. (KVRR) — Kirsten Baesler, North Dakota’s state superintendent of public instruction, has been confirmed to serve in the U.S. Department of Education.

Baesler will serve as assistant secretary for elementary and secondary education.

President Trump nominated Baesler in February. Her role as assistant secretary will have her overseeing federal offices that shape and support K-12 education policy across the country.

“I am honored, humbled, and incredibly excited to have received this final vote of confidence from the U.S. Senate,” Baesler said. “I am especially grateful to North Dakota Senators John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer for their support, their leadership, and their commitment to ensuring that the confirmation process moved forward for nominees committed to public service.”

In 2024, Baesler, 56, was elected to her fourth term as state superintendent. Gov. Kelly Armstrong will appoint her successor to finish her term.

The federal government shutdown will delay Baesler’s official swearing in until the shutdown ends.

Before holding state office, Baesler had a 24-year career in the Bismarck public schools as a vice principal, library media specialist, elementary teacher, and instructional assistant and served seven years as president of the Mandan School Board.