The Hunt Institute Brings North Dakota Legislators Together for Annual Retreat on Education

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 1, 2026
Dr. Javaid Siddiqi
Javaid.Siddiqi@hunt-institute.org

Bismarck, N.D. —The Hunt Institute hosted the 2026 North Dakota Legislators Retreat on August 31–September 1 at Bismarck State College, bringing together state leaders for bipartisan, solutions-oriented dialogue about the future of education in North Dakota.

The Retreat was hosted in partnership with bipartisan co-chairs Lieutenant Governor Michelle Strinden, State Superintendent Levi Bachmeier, Senator Don Schaible, Senator Todd Beard, Representative Karla Rose Hanson, Representative Jim Jonas, and Representative David Richter.

“This Retreat gave North Dakota lawmakers an opportunity to learn from experts, exchange perspectives, and explore the state’s most pressing education priorities,” said Dr. Javaid Siddiqi, President and CEO of The Hunt Institute. “In the spirit of Governor Hunt’s legacy, these bipartisan conversations will help shape policies that serve North Dakota’s students and communities for years to come.”

Over two days, legislators engaged with state and national experts, educators, and practitioners on early learning, technology and artificial intelligence, teacher recruitment and retention, specialized student supports, education tax credits, and stronger connections between education and workforce needs.

The Retreat built on The Hunt Institute’s partnership with the North Dakota Children’s Cabinet, through which The Institute conducted statewide research and stakeholder engagement focused on school readiness and opportunities to strengthen the state’s early childhood systems. Together, these efforts reflect an ongoing, collaborative approach tailored to the needs of North Dakota’s students, families, and communities.

“North Dakota’s future depends on preparing students with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to succeed,” said Retreat Co-Chair Lieutenant Governor Michelle Strinden, a member of Cohort 12 of the Hunt-Kean Leadership Fellows. “From early investments in students to responsible technology use and career pathways aligned with workforce needs, this Retreat focused on practical solutions that strengthen families, communities, and North Dakota’s future.”

Interactive panel discussions and small-group conversations allowed policymakers to learn directly from educators and practitioners. During a professional perspectives session, legislators met with educators from early childhood programs designated as “Best in Class” to discuss the experiences they provide to children and families, the challenges facing providers, and the potential return on research-supported investments in four-year-old programs.

“Strong education systems are built by supporting students and educators at every stage,” said Retreat Co-Chair and State Superintendent Levi Bachmeier. “That requires thoughtful conversations that connect school readiness, a stronger educator workforce, input from parents, and clear pathways to good jobs, all focused on moving the needle and delivering the promise of a great education for North Dakota students.”

The Retreat also featured state and national experts who led discussions on technology’s role in children’s lives and strategies to strengthen North Dakota’s educator workforce. Legislators explored screen use, artificial intelligence, teacher recruitment and retention, support for beginning teachers, and ways to encourage more students to pursue careers in education. Special guests included:

• The Honorable Kelly Armstrong, Governor of North Dakota
• Kjersti Armstrong, First Lady of North Dakota
• The Honorable Kirsten Baesler, Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of Education, former North Dakota Superintendent of Public Instruction (2013–2025), and Cohort 6 Hunt-Kean Leadership Fellow.
• The Honorable Brent Sanford, Commissioner of the North Dakota University System and former Lieutenant Governor of North Dakota (2016–2023)

“In a bipartisan spirit, we heard from educators, innovators, and education champions from North Dakota and across the country,” said Retreat Co-Chair Representative Karla Rose Hanson. “These conversations will help us ensure students have the resources and pathways to good jobs they need to succeed, strengthen our communities, and keep North Dakota competitive.”

###

About The Hunt Institute
The Hunt Institute, an affiliate of Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy, is a leader in transforming public education. Marshaling expertise from a nationwide partner network since its establishment in 2001, The Institute brings together people and resources that help build and nurture visionary leadership and mobilize strategic action for greater educational outcomes and student success. For more information, please visit: www.hunt-institute.org