BISMARCK, N.D. — In response to Gov. Doug Burgum’s signature of House Bill 1376, which expands public school access by ending discrimination against North Dakota’s students based on where they live, Executive Director Craig Hulse released the following statement on behalf of yes. every kid.
“For far too long, school zoning discrimination has prevented every kid from getting the best education possible. With Gov. Burgum’s leadership and strong support from the legislature, North Dakota is opening up educational options for students and ensuring that families have the freedom to make the best educational decisions for their child. Access to a public school that best meets your child’s needs should not be determined by your ZIP code or how much money your family has, and other states should follow North Dakota’s lead.
“We thank Gov. Burgum, Rep. Michelle Strinden, Rep. Cindy Schreiber-Beck, Sen. Kyle Davison, Sen. Michael Wobbema and State Supt. Kirsten Baesler for their support of North Dakota’s students and their families and look forward to working together to continue advancing public policy that respects the dignity of every kid.”
House Bill 1376 passed with bipartisan support, reflecting families’ desire for customizing their children’s education. The law will:
- Empower students to transfer to any school within the state, if space is available.
- Provide kindergarten through twelfth grade students with online courses, educational support, and high school diplomas through the Center for Distance Education.
- Facilitate nonpublic school districts engaging students in virtual instruction or instruction at another school district and receive credit for student attendance.
House Bill 1376, now signed into law, solidifies North Dakota as a national leader in ending school zoning discrimination.
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