NDEA RECOMMENDS STATEWIDE CANDIDATES

The North Dakota Education Association (NDEA) Board of Directors met in Bismarck  July 14, 2008, to review the Association's Government Relations recommendations for the offices of Governor, Superintendent of Public Instruction, Treasurer, and Insurance Commissioner.  "North Dakota is blessed to have a number of good candidates running for every statewide office," said NDEA President Dakota Draper.

The NDEA Board chose to recommend Governor John Hoeven for a third term of office.   "Governor Hoeven has proven that he is truly a 'friend of education,'  said Draper.  During the 2001 Legislative Session, Governor Hoeven was instrumental---along with the legislature--- in getting HB1344--The Teacher Compensation Bill passed.  The Compensation Bill made North Dakota history!

In the 2003 Legislative Session, it took a Governor's veto and a Special Session of the Legislature to devote 70 percent of $36 million dollars for K-12 education funding.

In 2007, he was instrumental in passing a landmark K-12 education funding bill, which added more than $90 million to achieve greater equity in education funding.   At the time, Governor Hoeven said, "the real winners are our children."

"The Governor is always accessible when we wish to discuss issues about education and children in our state," said Draper.   Presently, NDEA serves on the Governor's Commission to improve funding adequacy within the state of North Dakota.  "The Governor's previous record shows his support for public education, and we look forward to a continued, positive relationship as we strive to make North Dakota Public Schools second to none," said Draper.

For the Superintendent of Public Instruction position, the Association recommended former NDEA President Max Laird of Grand Forks  .  "In his interviews, Laird talked about making the Department of Public Instruction less regulatory and more of a service organization that school districts can use as a resource," Draper said. "We appreciate his creativity and desire to improve our current system on behalf of children and educators in North Dakota."

Incumbent Kelly Schmidt got the nod for State Treasurer.   In her interview, Schmidt said, "When I walk into work in the morning, I put my political hat in the hall and work for the people of North Dakota."

"NDEA appreciates the energy and dedication she brings to her job on behalf of educators---both active and retired," said Draper.

The NDEA Board recommended Jasper Schneider for Insurance Commissioner.   "During his interview, Schneider talked about working for the consumer," said Draper.  "At one point he said 'Children shouldn't be punished for their parents' ignorance or mistakes (referring to children not having insurance).  That's what we're all about--working with children every day."

"Schneider will be a great advocate for children in North Dakota, in addition to our members," said Draper.

For a video from KFYR-TV in Bismarck on the candidates click here .

The NDEA is an Association of 8,000 educators, including K-12 teachers, education support personnel and higher education faculty.   It is affiliated with the National Education Association.