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Levi Bachmeier

Nonpartisan candidate for Superintendent of Public Instruction, North Dakota · Incumbent

North Dakota Superintendent of Public Instruction (incumbent)

Levi Bachmeier has been North Dakota's Superintendent of Public Instruction since November 2025. Gov. Kelly Armstrong appointed him to the office after Kirsten Baesler left for a federal post. He is a Republican running in the nonpartisan race and did not seek a letter of support from the state Republican Party. He came first in the June 9, 2026 primary and faces Tracy Layne Foss in the November general election for a term that runs through 2028.

Where Bachmeier stands

Teacher pay and retention

Proposes annual teacher bonuses together with Rep. Mike Nathe. Says the plan is 'not a silver bullet' but a meaningful step on teacher shortages, and that North Dakota teachers earn about 20% less than others with bachelor's degrees.

K-12 school funding

Says the share of the state budget going to K-12 has fallen and that state support has not kept up with inflation after federal COVID-era funds ran out. Says 'now our schools are hurting.'

Technology and cellphones in schools

Says the school cellphone ban has had positive effects. Opposes an outright ban on classroom technology but supports 'reasonable guardrails' that balance local control of curriculum with student health.

Education priorities

Describes his platform as 'back to basics': putting kids first, supporting teachers, engaging families, setting high expectations, and directing resources 'into the classroom, not bureaucracy.'

Background

• North Dakota Superintendent of Public Instruction, appointed by Gov. Kelly Armstrong (Nov. 2025–present)
• Business manager, West Fargo Public Schools (until 2025)
• Member, State Board of Public School Education (appointed 2024)
• Policy director and education policy adviser to Gov. Doug Burgum (2016–2019)
• High school social studies teacher with Teach for America (2 years)
• Summer policy analyst fellow, U.S. Department of Education
• Education: B.A., Concordia College

In the news

• Superintendent candidates debate teacher bonuses, classroom tech, funding public schools North Dakota Monitor, October 15, 2026

Also running for Superintendent of Public Instruction

• Tracy Layne Foss Nonpartisan

Sources

• North Dakota Monitor: Oct. 2026 superintendent debate coverage
• Valley News Live: Bachmeier campaign launch
• KFGO/North Dakota Monitor: Bachmeier launches campaign (background)
• News From The States: Bachmeier, Foss advance to general election
• North Dakota Monitor primary voter guide
• Wikipedia: Levi Bachmeier

Last researched October 23, 2026. Written in neutral language from the sources above. Spot an error? See how to report it.