Central ND News

Levi Bachmeier has been appointed as North Dakota’s next Superintendent of Public Instruction by Governor Kelly Armstrong. Bachmeier, currently the business manager for the West Fargo School District, will take over the position following the resignation of Superintendent Kirsten Baesler.

Governor Armstrong cited Bachmeier’s experience in K-12 education and his involvement in state education boards. Armstrong said, “Levi has established himself as a trusted voice and highly capable leader in K-12 education over the past decade. He played an instrumental role in the Innovative Education Task Force during his time as education policy adviser in the Governor’s Office and has continued to guide education in North Dakota through his service on the State Board of Public School Education, Career and Technical Education Board, and State Board of Higher Education. His experience as a classroom teacher, education policy analyst and business manager in North Dakota’s fastest-growing school district will serve our students and parents well as we strive to ensure all K-12 students graduate choice-ready for college, career or the military.”

Bachmeier has been with West Fargo School District since 2019, focusing on student outcomes and financial stewardship, while also coaching track and field. Previously, he worked as an education policy adviser for then-Governor Doug Burgum from 2016 to 2019. Bachmeier’s background also includes teaching high school social studies with Teach for America and serving as a policy analyst fellow at the U.S. Department of Education.

In response to his appointment, Bachmeier stated, “I'm grateful for Governor Armstrong’s trust in me. I will work tirelessly to build that same trust with our families, school districts and communities. I truly believe that with our state’s size and spirit, we can have the best school system in our great nation that prepares students for success in the real world – but we’ll only achieve that by working together. I intend to build upon the work of Assistant Secretary Baesler, working with a great team to ensure students graduate with the knowledge, skills and mindsets they need to succeed in life.”

Bachmeier will assume his new role after Baesler steps down. Baesler was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on October 7 to serve as assistant secretary for elementary and secondary education in the U.S. Department of Education. However, she cannot be sworn in until the current federal government shutdown concludes.

Baesler commented on the transition, saying, “I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Levi Bachmeier on Governor Armstrong's appointment for him to serve as the next State Superintendent of Public Instruction. I look forward to supporting Mr. Bachmeier as he prepares for this important responsibility.” She added, “Levi’s background demonstrates both a commitment to advancing education and the experience needed to be a leader for everyone’s shared goal of helping our students succeed. I am confident that Levi will build on our progress and move the Department of Public Instruction forward with vision and integrity.”

A native of West Fargo, Bachmeier holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota. Before becoming state superintendent, he will resign from several state education boards.

Bachmeier is set to serve as superintendent through the November 2026 general election. Voters will then decide who will complete the four-year term that extends through 2028.

Governor Armstrong also acknowledged Baesler’s service since January 2013. Baesler was nominated for her new federal post by U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and President Donald Trump.

The superintendent’s responsibilities include supervising elementary and secondary education statewide, developing course standards, assessing students, and serving on the Board of University and School Lands. This board manages the Department of Trust Lands and investments from state-owned trust lands, including the Common Schools Trust Fund. The fund is valued at over $7.7 billion and is projected to have distributed more than $2 billion to public schools over a ten-year period including 2025-27.