Kirsten Baesler nominated by Trump for key role in education reform

President Donald Trump nominated Kirsten Baesler, North Dakota’s current superintendent of schools, to serve as the next assistant secretary for elementary and secondary education. The announcement, made by Governor Kelly Armstrong, marks a significant step for Baesler, who has dedicated over a decade to improving education in the state.
If confirmed by the US Senate, Baesler would take on a leadership role overseeing the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education at the US Department of Education. This office works with state and local districts to enhance student outcomes from preschool through high school. As reported by the North Dakota Monitor, Baesler expressed her excitement about the nomination, emphasizing the opportunity to impact the education of more than 49 million students across the country.
Baesler’s vision for education reform
In a statement late Wednesday, Baesler shared her commitment to making meaningful changes to the education system. “This is an opportunity to build on the relationships I’ve formed with fellow state education leaders over the past 12 years to implement the changes that will help our students become future-ready citizens,” Baesler said. “I look forward to working alongside Secretary-designate Linda McMahon to deliver on President Trump’s education agenda and return education decisions to the states,” she added, as quoted by the North Dakota Monitor.
Baesler’s appointment would be a significant change at the federal level, bringing her extensive experience in state-level education to the national stage. Governor Armstrong praised Baesler’s background, highlighting her tenure as an educator, vice principal, school board member, and her leadership as state superintendent. “She understands that decisions affecting local schools are best left to local school districts, with guidance from the state and limited involvement from the federal government,” Armstrong stated.
A history of leadership and service
First elected as North Dakota’s state superintendent in 2012, Baesler has since been reelected three times, most recently winning with 57% of the vote in November 2024. Her leadership style focuses on collaboration with local school leaders, aiming to improve educational outcomes without increasing federal interference. Baesler’s nomination comes at a time when the Department of Education is facing scrutiny over budget cuts, with Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) recently terminating 89 contracts at the Education Department, as reported by the North Dakota Monitor.
While Baesler’s position is nonpartisan, her association with the Republican Party has been evident in the past, as she sought a letter of support from the party during her campaign. If confirmed, she will continue to serve as state superintendent until her Senate confirmation, with a special election planned for November 2026 to fill her role in North Dakota.