Bismarck, N.D. – In January 2024, the North Dakota School Boards Association (“Association”) returned state funds earmarked for the Global Bridges Program to the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction. The Association returned the funds on its own initiative and without prompting by the Department of Public Instruction, the North Dakota Ethics Commission (“Ethics Commission”), or any outside parties. All remaining funds have been returned to the Department of Public Instruction.
Beginning in 2007, the Global Bridges Program operated as a teacher-exchange program for North Dakota educators. The program later evolved to include a travel-exchange program for state legislators. Funding for the program was appropriated by the North Dakota Legislature in the Department of Public Instruction’s budget from 2007-2017. As directed by the legislation, the Department of Public Instruction delivered the funds to the Association through a series of “pass-through grants.” The Association maintained the funds solely as a reimbursement and bookkeeping entity.
Separately, the Association informally resolved a complaint against it regarding the program filed with the Ethics Commission. As part of this resolution, the Association agreed to cease any future involvement with the program. Because the parties agreed to an informal resolution, the Ethics Commission has closed the complaint against the Association. The Ethics Commission wishes to thank the Association and the complainant for earnestly working through the process, reaching a resolution, and transparently communicating the result with the public. The Department of Public Instruction has been made aware of the resolution.