Policy Outlook: Education

Education is the foundation of North Dakota’s future workforce and economic growth. From K–12 through higher education and technical training, the state’s education system plays a critical role in shaping the skills employers need to stay competitive.
 
This session will explore innovations in education policy and the potential impacts on workforce development. The discussion will highlight dual credit programs, charter school opportunities, and how North Dakota can expand pathways for students while helping meet workforce demand.


 ➡️ This is a private, member-exclusive opportunity.
 
Senator Michelle Axtman and Senator Jonathan Sickler

PRESENTERS BIO
SENATOR AXTMAN-Major, US Air Force Reserve, BS, Geospatial Science, US Air Force Academy; MS, Project Management, University of Mary,
12 years, Active-Duty Air Force Pilot, Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Married (Benjamin); 2 children, Senate since 2023

SENATOR SICKLER-represents District 17 (Grand Forks) in the North Dakota State Senate. During the 2025 legislative session, he served on the Appropriations Committee. In the current interim, he is Chair of the Higher Education Institutions Committee and serves on the Higher Education Funding Review Committee, Information Technology Committee, Budget Section, and Cash Management Board.

Professionally, Senator Sickler is the Chief Legal Officer at AE2S, a water-focused engineering consulting firm. Previously, he practiced antitrust law in Washington, D.C. at Weil, Gotshal & Manges, LLP and Clifford Chance US LLP. A native of Dickinson, ND, he holds an undergraduate degree from the University of North Dakota and a law degree from Harvard Law School.

SERIES CONTEXT
This event is part of GNDC’s Policy Development Process as we prepare for the 2027 Legislative Session. Input from these discussions will help guide GNDC’s Member Councils and overall policy positions