Governor Armstrong Vetoes North Dakota Voucher Bill, Supports Charter School Framework

North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong has signed Senate Bill 2241, officially creating a framework for public charter schools in the state, which will operate within the public education system and be open to all students regardless of background or location. The new law, effective August 1, is expected to drive innovation and improve student outcomes, with charter schools required to meet or exceed state academic standards. Armstrong has emphasized that expanding school choice benefits both families and the state's workforce. Meanwhile, Armstrong vetoed House Bill 1540, a bill that would have established Education Savings Accounts for private school students, citing concerns that it only benefited a small portion of students and did not address the needs of rural communities. He encouraged lawmakers to improve school choice policy by considering broader approaches that include public and homeschooled students as well. North Dakota was previously one of only four states without charter school legislation.