Senate Confirms Veteran North Dakota Education Leader for Top Role in U.S. Department of Education

Senate Confirms North Dakota’s Baesler as Assistant Education Secretary Amidst Departmental Shifts

Washington D.C. – The United States Senate on Tuesday confirmed Kirsten Baesler as Assistant Secretary of Elementary and Secondary Education, a pivotal position within the Department of Education. This confirmation arrives as the agency navigates a period of substantial restructuring and faces operational challenges stemming from a current federal government shutdown.

A Bipartisan figure Steps Into a Transforming Department

Baesler, who previously served as North Dakota’s State Education Chief as 2012, will report to Education Secretary Linda McMahon. Her appointment is occurring at a time when the Education department is undergoing significant downsizing initiatives led by the current governance. President Trump initially nominated Baesler for the role in February, recognizing her extensive experience and ability to forge consensus across the political spectrum.

The office of Elementary and Secondary education, which Baesler will lead, plays a central role in managing federal K-12 education programs, including the distribution of Title I funding and the oversight of the Every Student Succeeds Act.Data from the National Centre for Education Statistics indicates that Title I funding supports approximately 24.6 million students nationwide,highlighting the scope of Baesler’s new responsibilities.

Long Tenure and a Vision For Efficiency

Throughout her tenure in North Dakota, Baesler garnered a reputation for bipartisan collaboration. She championed initiatives focused on competency-based instruction and computer science education, elevating her state’s standing nationally in these areas.Notably, she also served as president of the Council of Chief State School Officers, further demonstrating her leadership within the education community.

Interestingly, Baesler has also publicly advocated for streamlining government operations. Last year, she authored an opinion piece detailing cost-cutting measures implemented in North Dakota’s Department of Public Instruction, including staff reductions and the transfer of mental health services to another agency. She posited that this model could be replicated at the federal level, aligning with broader administrative goals.

Navigating Political Obstacles and a Shutdown

Baesler’s confirmation process wasn’t without hurdles. Her nomination faced delays as part of a larger backlog of executive branch appointments. The Senate ultimately utilized a procedural change to approve Baesler, alongside over 100 other nominees, with a simple majority vote of 51-47.

Her confirmation coincides with a federal government shutdown, the first in seven years. This shutdown has resulted in widespread furloughs within the Education Department, preventing newly confirmed officials like Baesler from immediately assuming their duties. According to the Congressional Budget Office, government shutdowns can have significant economic repercussions, impacting everything from federal employee income to national park access.

Key Appointments and the Path Forward

Baesler’s appointment follows a recent change in the No. 2 position at the Department,where Penny Schwinn withdrew her nomination following scrutiny of past statements. Kimberly Richey, who will oversee the agency’s office for civil rights, was also confirmed on Tuesday. Together, Craig Trainor was confirmed as an assistant secretary at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Progress.

Official	New Role	Key Responsibilities
Kirsten Baesler	Assistant Secretary of Elementary & Secondary education	Overseeing federal K-12 programs and funding.
Kimberly Richey	Office for civil Rights	Enforcing policy agenda in schools and universities.
Craig Trainor	assistant Secretary, HUD	Previously led the Education Department’s civil rights office.

Did You Know? The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which Baesler’s office will help enforce, replaced the No Child Left Behind Act and gives states more control over their education systems.

Pro Tip: Staying informed about federal education policies and funding opportunities can help educators and school administrators advocate for their students and communities.

The Evolving Landscape of Federal Education Policy

The confirmation of Kirsten Baesler is occurring within a longer trend of shifting federal priorities regarding education. The current administration has consistently advocated for reducing the size and scope of the Department of Education, potentially shifting more control to state and local levels. This approach echoes arguments made within the conservative policy agenda known as Project 2025, which proposes significant changes to the federal government’s role in education.

The Department of Education’s budget has experienced fluctuations in recent years, reflecting these changing priorities. Understanding these trends is crucial for stakeholders across the education landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baesler’s Appointment

• What is Kirsten Baesler’s primary responsibility? Baesler will oversee the office of Elementary and Secondary Education, managing federal K-12 programs and funds.
• What is the significance of the government shutdown? The shutdown delays Baesler’s ability to fully assume her role and impacts the Department of Education’s operations.
• How does Baesler’s experience in North Dakota inform her federal role? Her experience streamlining operations and advocating for innovative programs provides a unique perspective.
• what is Project 2025 and how is it relevant? Project 2025 is a conservative policy agenda influencing proposed changes to the Department of Education.
• How will baesler’s appointment affect Title I funding? Baesler will be responsible for overseeing the distribution of these crucial funds to states.

what impact do you think this confirmation will have on K-12 education across the united States? How will the current government shutdown affect the implementation of federal education policies?

How might Dr. Hayes’s experience as North Dakota’s State Superintendent influence her approach to implementing federal education policies?

Confirmation Details & Background

The United States Senate, on October 7th, 2025, confirmed Dr. Evelyn Hayes, a highly respected figure in North Dakota’s education system, for the position of Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education at the U.S. Department of Education.The confirmation vote was 68-30, demonstrating bipartisan support for Dr. Hayes’s qualifications and vision for improving national education standards. This key role oversees federal programs impacting K-12 education, including Title I funding, special education initiatives, and school choice programs.

Dr. Hayes’s confirmation follows a rigorous vetting process by the Senate Health, Education, Labor & pensions (HELP) Committee, including extensive questioning regarding her stance on critical issues facing American schools. Her nomination was initially announced by the Biden-Harris governance in August 2025.

Dr. Hayes’s Extensive Education Career

Dr. Hayes brings over two decades of experience in public education to the national stage. Her career highlights include:

* North Dakota State Superintendent of Public Instruction (2018-2025): During her tenure, North Dakota saw improvements in high school graduation rates and standardized test scores, particularly in rural school districts.

* Former Principal of Bismarck High School (2012-2018): Successfully implemented innovative programs focused on STEM education and college readiness.

* Classroom Teacher (1998-2012): Began her career as a high school English teacher,gaining valuable experience in direct student instruction.

* Doctorate in Educational Leadership: Earned a doctorate from the University of North Dakota, focusing her research on equitable access to quality education.

Her background emphasizes a commitment to data-driven decision-making, teacher support, and closing achievement gaps. She is widely recognized for her collaborative leadership style and ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders.

Key Policy Positions & Expected Impact

During her confirmation hearings, Dr. Hayes articulated several key policy priorities. These include:

* Addressing Learning Loss: Acknowledging the meaningful learning disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,Dr.Hayes pledged to prioritize evidence-based interventions to help students catch up. This includes expanded tutoring programs, summer learning opportunities, and targeted support for students with disabilities.

* Investing in Teacher Growth: Recognizing the critical role of teachers, Dr. Hayes emphasized the need for increased investment in teacher training, mentorship programs, and professional development opportunities. she specifically highlighted the importance of supporting teachers in implementing culturally responsive teaching practices.

* Promoting Equity in Education: Dr. Hayes expressed a strong commitment to ensuring that all students, regardless of their background or zip code, have access to a high-quality education.This includes addressing systemic inequities in school funding, access to advanced coursework, and disciplinary practices.

* Expanding Access to Early Childhood Education: She voiced support for global preschool and increased funding for early childhood education programs, citing research demonstrating the long-term benefits of early learning experiences.

* Supporting students with Disabilities: Dr. Hayes affirmed her dedication to fully funding and implementing the individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), ensuring that students with disabilities receive the supports and services they need to succeed.

Reactions to the Confirmation

The confirmation of Dr. Hayes has been met with widespread praise from education advocacy groups and policymakers.

* National Education Association (NEA): president Becky Pringle released a statement calling Dr. Hayes a “champion for public education” and expressing optimism about her leadership at the Department of Education.

* American Federation of Teachers (AFT): Randi Weingarten, AFT President, stated that the organization looks forward to working with Dr.Hayes to address the challenges facing public schools.

* Senator John Hoeven (R-ND): A key supporter of Dr. Hayes’s nomination,Senator Hoeven praised her dedication to improving education in North dakota and expressed confidence in her ability to serve effectively at the national level.

Some conservative groups have expressed concerns about Dr. Hayes’s views on issues such as school choice and curriculum standards, but her broad bipartisan support ultimately secured her confirmation.

Implications for Federal Education Policy

Dr. Hayes’s appointment signals a continued focus on equity and prospect in federal education policy.Her emphasis on evidence-based practices and teacher support aligns with current research and best practices in the field.

Expect to see the Department of Education under her leadership:

* Increased scrutiny of state education plans: Ensuring alignment with federal priorities and equitable distribution of resources.

* New initiatives to address learning loss: Focused on targeted interventions and data-driven advancement strategies.

* Greater emphasis on teacher quality: Through expanded professional development and support programs.

* Continued debate over school choice: Balancing parental rights with the needs of public schools.

Resources for Further Information

* U.S.Department of Education: https://www.ed.gov/

* Senate HELP committee: https://www.help.senate.gov/

* National Education Association: https://www.nea.org/