Jason Heitkamp

Jason Heitkamp running for ND Superintendent of Public Instruction

Jason grew up in Langdon, North Dakota. He earned his master's degree in agricultural economics from North Dakota State University. He currently lives near Wyndmere. He has 2 children. 

Jason previously worked as an insurance agent with Phoenix Financial, LLC

Jason Heitkamp previously served as a a member of the North Dakota State Senate, representing District 26. He served 1 term from 2020 to 2022. He also previously served as a Richland County commissioner, a city council member in Bottineau and Prairie Rose, and a member of the Richland County Job Development Authority.

The Surprising Contenders for State Superintendent Offices This Year

Supports legislation to fully fund K-12 schools at the state level to eliminate the need for property taxes as a funding source for schools.

- Supports legislation to fully fund K-12 schools at the state level to eliminate the need for property taxes as a funding source for schools.

School Facilities & Resources

Candidate website

Introduction to the candidates for Superintendent of Public Instruction

Believes in prioritizing fundamental subjects, saying "We need to focus on getting back to the basics of Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic."

Wants the U.S. Constitution and the State Constitution taught in school.

- Believes in prioritizing fundamental subjects, saying "We need to focus on getting back to the basics of Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic."
- Opposes education on race and racism.
- Wants the U.S. Constitution and the State Constitution taught in school.

School Curriculum

As of October 2, 2024, Jason Heitkamp’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Student Wellbeing

Wants to launch a study into teacher pensions to determine how to ensure teachers receive the full pension amount they are promised.

- Wants to launch a study into teacher pensions to determine how to ensure teachers receive the full pension amount they are promised.

Teachers

Access to Education

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Jason grew up in Langdon, North Dakota.  He earned his master's degree in agricultural economics from North Dakota State University.  He currently lives near Wyndmere.  He has 2 children. 

Jason Heitkamp previously served as a a member of the North Dakota State Senate, representing District 26. He served 1 term from 2020 to 2022. He also previously served as Richland County Commissioner, a city council member in Bottineau and Prairie Rose, and a member of the Richland County Job Development Authority.


Believes school facilities need improvement, saying "Scores are down."

Believes child wellbeing is crucial, noting that "our schools are on probation from the federal government."

Believes child safety starts at home, emphasizing the importance of communication between parents and children.

Believes in adhering to the North Dakota Constitution, starting with the 2024 elections.

Believes schools should teach a higher standard of health and fitness.

Supports stabilizing retirement plans and ensuring fair pay for educators.

Believes the teacher’s pension system is unsustainable and will eventually fail.

Believes teachers face retirement risks and plans to address retirement issues with "needed discussions" to avoid "kicking the can down the road."

Plans to focus on improving test scores and graduation rates for children.

Opposes education on race and racism, diversity, equity and inclusion, and environmental, social, and governance topics.

Opposes education on race and racism, diversity and inclusion, and environmental, social, and governance topics in K-12 schools.

Plans to work with school boards and administrators to offer more transparency.

Supports the establishment and maintenance of a system of public schools open to all children.

Supports accessible education for all students.

As of October 7, 2024, Jason Heitkamp’s website did not contain information on this issue.

- The superintendent of public instruction heads the state's Department of Public Instruction, overseeing education statewide. The department creates and shares state education policies, supports school districts, and oversees K-12 education.
- It also manages a loan forgiveness program for teachers in shortage areas and subjects.
- To be elected to this position a person must be a qualified North Dakota voter and at least 25 years old.
- The annual salary for this position is $143,668.

Chief executive of the state’s public education.