Bachmeier Formally Launches Campaign to Lead North Dakota Public Schools

(Photo by Jacob Orledge/North Dakota Monitor)

(North Dakota Monitor) – North Dakota Superintendent of Public Instruction Levi Bachmeier officially announced he is running to retain his office in the 2026 election.

Bachmeier was appointed to the position in fall 2025 after former Superintendent of Public Instruction Kirsten Baesler joined the U.S. Department of Education as assistant secretary. Previously, he was the business manager for the West Fargo School District and coached track and field.

Bachmeier’s goals for the position include improving student outcomes, supporting teacher retention and recruitment and opposing school politicization, according to his campaign announcement.

“The Department of Public Instruction should be a partner, not a barrier,” Bachmeier said in a statement. “Families care about how schools are run, what students are learning, and whether they’re being prepared for life. I’ll work alongside parents, educators and communities to make sure every student graduate’s ready for the real world.”