Peace Garden News

Levi Bachmeier, business manager for the West Fargo School District, has been appointed as North Dakota’s next Superintendent of Public Instruction by Governor Kelly Armstrong. The announcement comes as current Superintendent Kirsten Baesler prepares to step down following her confirmation by the U.S. Senate to serve as assistant secretary for elementary and secondary education in the U.S. Department of Education.

Governor Armstrong highlighted Bachmeier’s experience in education leadership, stating, “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 served as business manager of the West Fargo School District since 2019, focusing on student outcomes and fiscal responsibility. He also coaches track and field. From 2016 to 2019, he worked as education policy adviser and policy director for then-Governor Doug Burgum. Earlier in his career, Bachmeier taught high school social studies with Teach for America and worked as a policy analyst fellow at the U.S. Department of Education.

In response to his appointment, Bachmeier said, “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 following Baesler’s resignation. Baesler was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on October 7 but cannot be sworn in until the current federal government shutdown ends.

Baesler congratulated Bachmeier on his appointment: “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 taking office as state superintendent, he will resign from his positions on the Board of Public School Education, CTE Board, and State Board of Higher Education.

Bachmeier will serve as superintendent through the November 2026 general election. At that time, voters will decide who completes the four-year term ending in 2028.

Governor Armstrong also thanked Baesler for her service since January 2013. Baesler was nominated for her new federal role by U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and President Donald Trump in February.

The Superintendent of Public Instruction oversees elementary and secondary education in North Dakota. The office is responsible for establishing schools, developing course content standards, assessing students, and other duties. The superintendent also serves on the Board of University and School Lands, which manages the Department of Trust Lands and investments from state-owned trust lands. The Common Schools Trust Fund, managed by this board, is valued at over $7.7 billion and is projected to provide more than $2 billion to public schools over a ten-year period including distributions from 2025-27.