08/27/2026
Welcoming U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to North Dakota today as part of her “Back to the States” tour was a privilege!
At Bismarck State College, we saw how education, workforce training, and strong industry partnerships are preparing students for good-paying careers while meeting the needs of North Dakota employers.
Then we did something you don’t see in Washington, D.C… a trip down a gravel road to Sweet Briar School. Students and educators demonstrated what makes rural education in North Dakota so special: close-knit communities, dedicated teachers, local leadership, and an unwavering commitment to helping every student succeed.
It was also wonderful to see old friends Brian Kalk, Kirsten Baesler, and Levi Bachmeier during the visit. Each of them has made a tremendous contribution to education and public service in North Dakota.
Bismarck State College and Sweet Briar School may look very different, but they share the same commitment to innovation, opportunity, and putting students first. North Dakota has an outstanding story to tell about what education can accomplish when decisions are made closer to students, families, and communities.
Secretary McMahon’s commitment to ensuring education decisions are made as close to the classroom as possible was on display and our North Dakota schools demonstrate just how successful this approach is! ✏️📚🎓