Central ND News

Senator John Hoeven has announced that President Donald Trump has nominated Kirsten Baesler, North Dakota’s State Superintendent of Public Instruction, to serve as the Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education at the U.S. Department of Education. Hoeven played a role in this nomination by recommending Baesler to incoming Education Secretary Linda McMahon during her tenure as Director of the Small Business Administration.

Hoeven expressed his support for Baesler's nomination, stating, "We appreciate President Trump and Department of Education Secretary-elect McMahon nominating Kirsten to this position. Kirsten has done a tremendous job overseeing the education of students in North Dakota and will be a great asset to the Trump administration." He further added that Baesler's career has been dedicated to education, with experience ranging from classroom teaching to leading the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDPPI). Hoeven assured that efforts would be made to ensure her swift confirmation by the Senate.

Baesler has been serving as state school superintendent since January 2013, leading an 86-person team responsible for both public and nonpublic school education in North Dakota. Her previous experience includes 24 years with the Bismarck Public School System in various roles such as vice principal, classroom teacher, and library media specialist. Additionally, she served on the Mandan School Board for nine years, seven of which were as president. Baesler is originally from Flasher and holds degrees from Bismarck State College, Minot State University, and Valley City State University.