AN ACT to create and enact a new section to chapter 15.1-21 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to a pilot program to provide grants to schools that provide instruction in a foreign language to students in kindergarten through grade three; and to provide an appropriation.
Summary
SB 2275 creates a two-year pilot program in North Dakota to support foreign language instruction for students in kindergarten through grade 3. Beginning with the 2025-26 school year and continuing through the 2026-27 school year, the Superintendent of Public Instruction must establish and operate a grant program for schools that offer this instruction. Eligible schools may receive annual grants to help cover program costs, materials, or teacher stipends, with each grant capped at $2,500 per school per year.
The bill also appropriates $49,500 from the general fund to the Department of Public Instruction for the biennium beginning July 1, 2025, to fund the pilot program. The superintendent is directed to set the requirements and procedures for school participation, meaning the department will have discretion over how schools apply and how the program is administered.
Impact
The bill adds a new section to chapter 15.1-21 of the North Dakota Century Code, creating a temporary state grant program focused on early foreign language education. It affects the Department of Public Instruction and participating elementary schools by authorizing state funding for instructional support, materials, and stipends. Because it is a pilot program, the law is limited in duration and is intended to test the feasibility and value of foreign language instruction in the early grades before any broader policy expansion.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have received generally favorable support. It passed the Senate unanimously, 44-0, suggesting broad agreement in that chamber. It also passed the House with a clear majority, 68-24, indicating overall support despite some opposition. The absence of committee transcript material limits insight into detailed debate, but the vote margins suggest the bill was viewed positively as an education initiative.
Contention
The main point of potential contention is not the concept of foreign language instruction itself, but whether the state should spend general fund dollars on a pilot program and whether early-grade language grants are the best use of limited education funding. The House vote of 68-24 shows that some members were unconvinced, likely over fiscal priorities, program effectiveness, or the need for a state-run grant initiative. No committee testimony is available, so specific objections or supporters cannot be identified from the record provided.
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