BISMARCK, N.D. (KFGO) – A nominating committee has chosen three finalists for a vacancy on the state Board of Higher Education. The vacancy was created after Governor Armstrong appointed Levi Bachmeier to be the State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
The committee chose Michelle Kommer of Fargo, a former State Commerce and Labor Commissioner, and Former Director of Job Service North Dakota; Stan Schauer of Bismarck, the Director of Assessments for the Department of Public Instruction; and Darin Scherr of Bismarck, the Business and Operations Manager for the Bismarck School District.
One candidate who was rejected was Carma Hanson of Grand Forks, who worked for Armstrong’s campaign for Governor. Bachmeier chairs the nominating committee and says everyone thought Hanson was qualified, but worried about the political connection.
“I think there’s a recognition that all of the candidates had impressive applications and I know all of them personally and consider them to be very thoughtful leaders, but being especially cognizant of the perception of education in today’s age and I’m personally deeply passionate about ensuring that people do not feel that schools are political in any way,” Bachmeier explained.
The new board member will begin serving immediately after the Governor’s appointment, but his pick must eventually be confirmed by the North Dakota Senate to allow him or her to continue.
The new board member will be responsible for completing Bachmeier’s four-year term, which ends June 30, 2029.
The Board of Higher Education oversees and sets policy for the 11 institutions in North Dakota’s university system.
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