North Dakota Superintendent Kirsten Baesler speaks during a meeting of the state’s Teacher Retention and Recruitment Task Force held in Bismarck on Feb. 22, 2024. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)
WASHINGTON (North Dakota Monitor) – The U.S. Senate is poised to confirm North Dakota State Superintendent of Public Instruction Kirsten Baesler as the next assistant secretary of elementary and secondary education at the Department of Education.
The Senate on Friday voted 51-46 to authorize a final confirmation vote of Baesler and more than 100 executive appointees for President Donald Trump.
However, even if Baesler is confirmed, the federal government shutdown would delay her ability to begin the new post.
“Like others affected by the shutdown, I’m in a holding pattern,” Baesler said in a statement.
She added she will resign her superintendent position and join the Department of Education “once operational logistics permit.”
It will be up to Republican Gov. Kelly Armstrong to appoint a new superintendent once Baesler resigns. An election for the office will be held in 2026.
Baesler was reelected to her fourth, four-year term in 2024 and has served as the state’s superintendent since 2013.
During last week’s ceremony for North Dakota Teacher of the Year, Baesler said she was ready to get started at the department.
“I’m excited about going out there and doing the work for all of our nation’s children,” Baesler said.
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