Candidates in DPI Race Debate | Video

Kristin Clouston | 10/19/2012

Imagine getting to interview your future boss. Some North Dakota administrators got the chance today. Kirsten Baseler and Tracy Potter debated in front of the state`s principals and superintendents and took a couple questions from the crowd. In November voters, will choose a new Superintendent of Public Instruction and whoever is elected will oversee the state`s 372 public schools for the next four years.

Kirsten Baesler has worked in ND schools for 21 years as a teacher and librarian, is the southwest director of the North Dakota School Board association, has testified in front of legislature, traveled to Washington DC to meet with representatives for the past five years and is president of the Mandan School board.

"Education needs to change quickly and rapidly and I have a great command because of that comprehensive perspective that I bring to that office, of what those issues are and it will be extremely important that the next Superintendent of Public Instruction have the understanding and ability to articulate to our legislature and on our national level on what North Dakota residents need and want," she said.

Potter spent two years teaching in public schools, worked as a sub and taught college students while in grad school. He also served in the ND Senate and is the director of the Ft. Abraham Lincoln Foundation.

"It`s not a teaching job. This is a management position, I`ve managed 100 employees. It`s a state agency, I`ve managed a state agency. This is a job that requires a background in education and how you manage people and I`ve managed people," he said.

Both candidates say it`s crucial to keep lines of communication open with schools. Potter says he would personally visit each school during the four year term and Baesler said she would have regular meetings with the NDCEC and the North Dakota School Board Association because they are the ones practicing in the field.

It`s important to note Baesler has been endorsed by the North Dakota Education Association and the Republican party.

Potter is a Democrat but has not asked either party to endorse him and is running as an independent.

COMMENT ON THIS STORY

BACK TO NEWS | BACK TO BISMARCK STORIES