Jason Heitkamp

Jason Heitkamp running for ND Superintendent of Public Instruction

Jason grew up in Langdon, North Dakota. He earned his master's degree in agricultural economics from North Dakota State University. He currently lives near Wyndmere. He has 2 children. 

Jason previously worked as an insurance agent with Phoenix Financial, LLC

Jason Heitkamp previously served as a a member of the North Dakota State Senate, representing District 26. He served 1 term from 2020 to 2022. He also previously served as a Richland County commissioner, a city council member in Bottineau and Prairie Rose, and a member of the Richland County Job Development Authority.

The Surprising Contenders for State Superintendent Offices This Year

Supports legislation to fully fund K-12 schools at the state level to eliminate the need for property taxes as a funding source for schools.

- Supports legislation to fully fund K-12 schools at the state level to eliminate the need for property taxes as a funding source for schools.

School Facilities & Resources

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Introduction to the candidates for Superintendent of Public Instruction

Believes in prioritizing fundamental subjects, saying "We need to focus on getting back to the basics of Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic."

Wants the U.S. Constitution and the State Constitution taught in school.

- Believes in prioritizing fundamental subjects, saying "We need to focus on getting back to the basics of Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic."
- Opposes education on race and racism.
- Wants the U.S. Constitution and the State Constitution taught in school.

School Curriculum

As of June 4, 2025, Jason Heitkamp’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Student Wellbeing

Wants to launch a study into teacher pensions to determine how to ensure teachers receive the full pension amount they are promised.

- Wants to launch a study into teacher pensions to determine how to ensure teachers receive the full pension amount they are promised.

Teachers

Access to Education

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Kirsten is a native of Flasher, N.D.  She earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Minot State University, and a master’s degree in library and information technology integration from Valley City State University.  She currently lives in Mandan, N.D., and has 3 adult sons, a daughter-in-law, and 2 granddaughters. 

Kirsten previously worked for the Bismarck public school system as a vice principal, districtwide technology integration specialist, library media specialist, classroom teacher, and instructional assistant. She worked as the assistant director of the North Dakota School Boards Association.

Kirsten Baesler is the North Dakota Superintendent of Public Instruction. She was first elected in 2012 and is serving her 4th term. She also served as an elected member of the Mandan school board.

Baesler says NDGOP doesn’t reflect voters’ views on education

Believes getting rid of property taxes would leave communities with less local control over how to fund education.

- Believes getting rid of property taxes would leave communities with less local control over how to fund education.

Literacy Task Force meets to discuss literacy rates and to help students with dyslexia

New state guidance issued on AI for North Dakota schools

North Dakotans asked to comment on school assistance process

STEM-ming up success: North Dakota State School Superintendent visits Lincoln Elementary School's STEM Day

Supports requiring cybersecurity and computer science teaching at every grade level.

Believes investing in professional development and high-quality instruction materials will help students.

Believes implementing AI, or any other instructional tool, requires planning and alignment with existing educational priorities, goals, and values.

Supports ND FIRST, which gives the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) authority to supervise schools that are underperforming and need “comprehensive support and improvement.”

Believes that STEM is a necessary component in school curriculums.

- Supports requiring cybersecurity and computer science teaching at every grade level.
- Believes investing in professional development and high-quality instruction materials will help students.
- Believes implementing AI, or any other instructional tool, requires planning and alignment with existing educational priorities, goals, and values.
- Supports ND FIRST, which gives the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) authority to supervise schools that are underperforming and need “comprehensive support and improvement.”
- Believes that STEM is a necessary component in school curriculums.

As of June 4, 2025, Kirsten Baesler’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Believes in strengthening North Dakota's teaching standards to ensure students succeed in a 21st-century economy.

Believes in strengthening North Dakota's teaching standards.

Supports developing comprehensive apprenticeship plans to boost recruitment and retention for all school professionals, including paraprofessionals, teachers, and principals.

- Believes in strengthening North Dakota's teaching standards.
- Supports developing comprehensive apprenticeship plans to boost recruitment and retention for all school professionals, including paraprofessionals, teachers, and principals.

DPI candidates seek different educational change

Supports providing "high-quality, personalized learning choices for all students with accountability for services received for taxpayers’ money."

- Supports providing "high-quality, personalized learning choices for all students with accountability for services received for taxpayers’ money."

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Kirsten Baesler

- The superintendent of public instruction heads the state's Department of Public Instruction, overseeing education statewide. The department creates and shares state education policies, supports school districts, and oversees K-12 education.
- It also manages a loan forgiveness program for teachers in shortage areas and subjects.
- To be elected to this position a person must be a qualified North Dakota voter and at least 25 years old.
- The annual salary for this position is $143,668.

Chief executive of the state’s public education.

North Dakota Superintendent of Public Instruction

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School Facilities & Resources

School Curriculum

Student Wellbeing

Teachers

Access to Education