BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) — North Dakota’s Superintendent of Public Instruction is running to keep the job.

It will be Levi Bachmeier’s first campaign for the office since he was appointed by Gov. Kelly Armstrong last October.

“Our public schools are good today, but they can be great,” Bachmeier said. “That starts with putting kids first, supporting great teachers, and making sure resources are going where they matter most: into the classroom, not bureaucracy.”

He is a former business manager and track and field coach for West Fargo Public Schools.

Bachmeier once taught high school social studies on the Pine Ridge reservation and advised Gov. Doug Burgum on education policy.

While the superintendent position is nonpartisan, party’s can issue a letter of support.

Grand Forks educator Tracy Foss was given that letter over the weekend by the Democratic-NPL to challenge Bachmeier for the seat.