Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Education And Workforce topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Lawmakers question funding for National Guard’s Next Generation Leader program pilot in Bismarck
Summary
The committee examined a request for two FTEs and $488,000 general fund for a pilot Next Generation Leader program to create accredited military pathway courses in partnership with DPI and the Center for Distance Education.
Bismarck — Lawmakers pressed North Dakota National Guard leaders on a proposal to fund two positions for a Next Generation Leader program designed to expand military‑pathway coursework, with a pilot targeted to Bismarck.
The Adjutant General described the request as a one‑time appropriation of about $488,000 in general fund to create two full‑time positions: an accredited teacher to deliver coursework and a coordinator to administer and expand the program. "One's for a teacher that can make these courses accredited so the kids can get credit for it," Mitch Johnson said. Officials said the pilot would partner with the Department of Public Instruction and the Center for Distance Education to reach areas where Junior ROTC is not available.
Why it matters: Committee members framed the program as a recruitment and exposure effort that could benefit rural areas and students unable to access existing Junior ROTC offerings. Legislators sought details about whether the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) already carries similar work and whether existing vacant FTEs could be repurposed.
Discussion and clarifications
- Structure and roles: Jackie Huber, deputy adjutant general, told the panel the teaching role would require a standard North Dakota secondary education license and that the Educational Standards and Practices Board (ESPB) would be involved in licensure. Huber said the department prefers a military retiree with a teaching license if possible.
- Location and scope: The department said the initial pilot would be Bismarck‑focused; participants indicated a possible later push toward Dickinson to address a gap there.
- Costs and alternatives: Representatives asked whether existing recruiting resources or vacant FTEs could be repurposed. Officials said recruiting and retention staff lack the scope or certification to provide accredited classroom instruction; the department argued the two positions are complementary and that one without the other would be ineffective.
- Funding status: Committee members put a question mark by the line pending more information on DPI’s current expenditures and on whether existing vacancies (some on the special‑fund side) could be repurposed.
Ending: Committee members expressed broad support for the concept but requested more fiscal detail and confirmation of licensure requirements before committing general‑fund dollars.
