BISMARCK, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – North Dakota State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler has invited residents from eight counties to apply for a vacant seat on the Board of Public School Education, which oversees K-12 and career and technical education in the state.

The position opened following the resignation of Burdell Johnson, who represented Burleigh, Stutsman, Eddy, Foster, Kidder, McLean, Sheridan, and Wells counties. Johnson’s successor will complete the remainder of his term, which ends June 30, 2026.

Residents eligible to vote and living in one of the eight counties Johnson represented are encouraged to apply through the governor’s website. The deadline for applications is 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.

The Board of Public School Education consists of seven members appointed by the governor to six-year terms. It oversees property transfer requests, school district reorganizations, and dissolutions. Additionally, the board is responsible for North Dakota’s seven regional education associations and the K-12 Education Coordination Council, which provides policy recommendations to the state Legislature.

Applications will be reviewed by leaders from North Dakota United, the North Dakota Council of Educational Leaders, and the North Dakota School Boards Association before a list of candidates is submitted to the governor for final consideration.

Baesler serves as the board’s executive secretary.