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BISMARCK- Gov. Doug Burgum has announced the members of the Task Force for Teacher Retention and Recruitment.
The 15-member Task Force consists of Burgum and State Superintendent Kirsten Baesler, or their designees, and 13 members appointed by the governor and representing stakeholders across the education community.
- Patti Stedman, West Fargo, a West Fargo School Board member and member of the Education Standards and Practices Board.
- Bret Dockter, Harvey, a Harvey Public Schools teacher.
- Ashley Seykora, Rugby, Rugby Public Schools instructional coach.
- Abby DuBord, Bismarck, a Bismarck Public Schools teacher.
- Luke Schaefer, Minot, CEO of the Central Regional Education Association.
- Robert Lech, Jamestown, Jamestown Public Schools superintendent.
- John Porter, Fargo, director of the South Valley and Rural Cass Special Education Units.
- James Green, Watford City, high school principal at McKenzie County Public Schools.
- Sherry Tandeski, St. John, elementary school principal at St. John Public Schools.
- Jenny Bladow, Northwood, director of teacher education, College of Education & Human-Development, University of North Dakota, and member of the Education Standards and Practices Board.
- Erin Jacobson, Bismarck, coordinator of the Teacher Support System.
- State Sen. Dean Rummel, Dickinson.
- State Rep. Steve Swiontek, Fargo.
The task force will conduct stakeholder meetings and roundtable discussions to gather feedback from pertinent stakeholder groups across the state. Members will make recommendations in several areas, including increasing recruitment to the teaching profession, improving teacher preparation programs, teacher licensure, teacher evaluation, working conditions and supports, as well as reviewing compensation and contracts.
The task force must provide a final report with recommendations to the governor and superintendent by Sept. 30, 2024, and identify partners to sponsor legislation during the 2025 legislative session.