SB 2353 amends North Dakota law to define required services for regional education associations (REAs) seeking state funding and streamline contracting for these services. It mandates that REAs must provide professional development coordination, technology support, school improvement assistance, student data analysis help, and curriculum enrichment to member school districts (Section 15.1-09.1-02.1). The bill also adds contracts between the Department of Public Instruction and REAs to an exception list in state procurement rules, allowing direct contracting without standard competitive bidding (Section 54-44.4-02). This directly affects school districts participating in REAs and the state's education funding structure. The changes aim to clarify REA service obligations and simplify administrative processes for education support.
HB 1220 would establish a new "North Dakota accelerated degree" program for high-demand occupations within the state's education code. This program would allow students to earn credentials more quickly in fields with significant workforce needs, directly benefiting students seeking faster entry into these careers. The key mechanism is creating a new section in North Dakota's Century Code (Chapter 15-10) to formally authorize and structure these accelerated pathways. The bill focuses on concrete policy changes to streamline education-to-employment for specific high-demand occupations.
HB 1510 creates new sections in North Dakota's state law requiring public school districts to provide financial planning resources for new teachers during their first year. It also mandates that school districts establish onsite child care options for teachers with children attending those schools. The bill includes a separate provision directing the legislature to conduct a management study on administrative practices. These changes directly affect new teachers and school districts across North Dakota.
SB 2234 appropriates $2 million from North Dakota's general fund for competitive grants to school districts to help high school students meet the state's "choice ready" framework. The bill requires school districts to apply with specific plans showing how grant funds will develop students' skills for postsecondary education, careers, or military service - directly affecting school districts and their high school students. Funds cannot cover general supplies or equipment but must support targeted experiences like career training or college preparation. The grants are intended for the 2025-2027 biennium and align with the state's goal of ensuring all students graduate prepared for life after high school.
Senate Bill 2241 proposes creating a new chapter in the North Dakota Century Code to authorize and administer public charter schools. This bill establishes the framework for how these new types of public schools can be formed and operated within the state, directly affecting students, parents, and educational institutions. It outlines the processes for their authorization and ongoing management. Additionally, the legislation requires a report from legislative management concerning these new provisions.
SB 2330 requires public and tribal schools in North Dakota to implement human trafficking prevention and awareness education for students. The bill creates a new legal section in the state code mandating this education as part of school curriculum. It directly affects all students attending public schools and tribal schools across the state. The law focuses on providing age-appropriate education to help students recognize and avoid trafficking situations.
SB 2019 appropriates $51.3 million from North Dakota's general fund for the Department of Career and Technical Education during the 2025-2027 biennium. The funding covers salaries, operating expenses, grants for secondary education, and specific programs like workforce training and STEM initiatives. It directly affects the department and regional organizations receiving $500,000 in workforce training grants, distributed as $230,000 to northwest, $40,000 to northeast, $120,000 to southwest, and $110,000 to southeast organizations. The bill provides no new policy changes but allocates existing funds for operational and program expenses.
HB 1527 would require all North Dakota public school districts to include Holocaust education in their U.S. history curriculum. The bill mandates that this education cover specific topics like the causes of the Holocaust, history of antisemitism, resistance efforts, U.S. involvement, and connections between intolerance and historical events. School districts must implement grade-appropriate lessons meeting these requirements, and the state superintendent must submit an annual report to the governor and legislature on compliance. This bill directly affects K-12 schools and students across North Dakota, aiming to ensure consistent educational content about the Holocaust. The bill failed to pass in April 2025, with 22 votes in favor and 24 against.
This bill proposes amending North Dakota's Constitution to allow $300 million annually from the common schools trust fund for statewide school construction over 10 years ($3 billion total). It modifies how distributions are calculated, requiring annual payments based on trust fund value while adding a fixed $600 million biennial allocation (split yearly) specifically for school construction under state programs. The change would directly affect public schools by providing dedicated funding for new buildings and renovations. The amendment must be voted on by North Dakota voters in 2026 after failing to pass the legislature (15 yeas, 77 nays) in March 2025.
SB 2362 amends North Dakota's school accreditation rules to give public and nonpublic schools two accreditation choices: the state's defined process or nationally recognized accrediting organizations approved by the superintendent. The superintendent must establish a selection process involving education stakeholders (like school administrators and boards) and periodically review each option's effectiveness in improving student achievement. Schools can choose the option best matching their instructional goals, but all must meet state standards for education quality and provide measurable student outcome data. The law ensures accreditation directly supports state education goals while offering flexibility to schools.
