Baesler Named to Board of National Education Group

 

North Dakota School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler has been chosen for the board of directors of the Council of Chief State School Officers, which represents state education agencies across the country.

The board has nine members, including the president, president-elect, past president, and six members elected by the CCSSO’s membership. It is the organization’s governing body. The president is Pedro Rivera, secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

“CCSSO has a long history and exemplary tradition of providing support to states in this nation, and I’m honored to be joining its board of dynamic leaders,” Baesler said. “I have tremendous respect for Pedro Rivera and I look forward to working with him, the other board members and CCSSO leaders as we strive to fulfill CCSSO’s mission for the success of all students."

The council is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that represents the states, the District of Columbia, the Bureau of Indian Education, the Department of Defense’s education system, and five U.S. extra-state jurisdictions. It is based in Washington, D.C., and provides leadership, technical assistance and advocacy on major educational issues.

Baesler said state officials typically have a national organization that reflects the interests in their respective states. In that respect, Baesler said, the CCSSO is similar to the National Governors Association, the National Association of Attorneys General and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

“I am extremely honored to be bringing a North Dakota and a Midwestern perspective to the CCSSO,” Baesler said. “K-12 education in rural America has different needs and challenges. It is important to include that voice and perspective in the national conversation.”