north dakota superintendent of public instruction Archives

ND Superintendent of Public Instruction defends low proficiency rates

18 hours ago

KVRR Staff,

Levi Bachmeier, North Dakota Superintendent of Public InstructionFARGO (KVRR-KFGO) — North Dakota Superintendent of Public Instruction Levi Bachmeier says North Dakota’s low proficiency rates in public school testing is because of higher standards. Republican Charles Tuttle, who is running against Bachmeier for the superintendent position in this year’s election, has criticized the low scores. Bachmeier says he’s not interested in…

How candidates for North Dakota’s top K-12 job would address teacher recruitment, retention

May 29, 2026

KVRR Staff,

From the left: Superintendent of the Department of Public Instruction Levi Bachmeier (Photo courtesy of Office of the Governor), Tracy Layne Foss (Photo courtesy of Foss campaign) and Charles Tuttle (Photo by Jacob Orledge/North Dakota Monitor).BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — Candidates for superintendent of public instruction have different takes on how to improve North Dakota teacher recruitment and retention….

Gov. Armstrong announces North Dakota’s next Superintendent of Public Instruction

October 21, 2025

Alison Voorhees,

Levi BachmeierBISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) — A West Fargo native is chosen to serve as North Dakota’s next Superintendent of Public Instruction. Governor Kelly Armstrong announces West Fargo School District Business Manager Levi Bachmeier will take over for outgoing Kirsten Baesler. Bachmeier has served as business manager of the West Fargo School District since 2019, while also coaching track and field….

Pro-Mask Campaign Begins But Still No Mandate In North Dakota

State leaders also announcing a precision online learning program will be made available to all students

August 10, 2020

TJ Nelson,

BISMARCK, N.D. — Gov. Doug Burgum kicks off a social media campaign encouraging the use of face masks called #MASKUPND. He is still against issuing a mask mandate, leaving that up to businesses and schools. Burgum is also extending the deadline for renewals for driver licenses which expired March 1 or later. State leaders also announcing a precision online learning…

North Dakota Superintendent of Public Instruction Pleads Guilty To DUI

Kirsten Baesler says she plans to seek treatment

March 12, 2020

TJ Nelson,

BISMARCK, N.D. — Just hours after being charged with misdemeanor DUI, Kirsten Baesler pleads guilty. The North Dakota Superintendent of Public Instruction was given one year of probation and $750 in fines for her first offense. She also received a 10-day jail sentence which was suspended. Last month, Baesler was stopped for driving erratically on I-94. She refused a blood…

Kirsten Baesler Charged With Misdemeanor DUI

North Dakota Superintendent of Public Instruction Plans To Plead Guilty, Seek Treatment

March 10, 2020

TJ Nelson,

BISMARCK, N.D. — North Dakota Superintendent of Public Instruction Kirsten Baesler has officially been charged with misdemeanor DUI. Her initial appearance is set for March 25. Last month, Baesler was stopped for driving erratically on I-94. She refused a blood or breath test and was arrested. She has said she plans to plead guilty in addition to seeking treatment. Baesler…

ND Superintendent of Public Instruction Arrested for DUI

February 27, 2020

Site Staff,

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFGO) – North Dakota Superintendent of Public Instruction Kirsten Baesler has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. The North Dakota Highway Patrol says Baesler was stopped on the Memorial Highway in Mandan at around 10 pm Wednesday. An officer at the Burleigh-Morton Detention Center says Baesler was processed at the Center and was released shortly…