State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler recently announced that Mike McHugh will be joining the North Dakota Board of Public School Education, which provides guidance and oversight for the state’s K-12 system. McHugh, of Mandan, is the Aviation Education Coordinator for the state Aeronautics Commission, a certified career and technical education teacher, and a former aviation instructor in the Bismarck public schools. McHugh will represent Adams, Billings, Bowman, Dunn, Golden Valley, Grant, Hettinger, Mercer, Morton, Oliver, Sioux, Slope, and Stark counties.

The Board of Public School Education has seven members: the state superintendent of public instruction, who is the board’s executive secretary, and six members who are appointed by the governor to represent groups of counties and serve six-year terms. The Board of Public School Education appointees also are members of the state Board of Career and Technical Education (CTE), which oversees North Dakota’s state CTE department. They also are in charge of the North Dakota K-12 Education Coordination Council, which reviews state education programs and encourages collaboration among agencies and interest groups.

“This is exciting news for the aviation community, as Mike’s representation on this board will help to advocate for aviation education and STEM efforts throughout North Dakota,” stated Kyle Wanner, Executive Director of the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission. “As workforce shortage issues need to be addressed within aeronautics and other critical industries, we need strong leadership to advocate and implement strong education programs and opportunities for our youth.

Congratulations, Mike!”