Dr. Jason Hornbacher, Superintendent

Bismarck Public Schools has a quick reference guide for the community called Fast Facts. We tried to highlight information about this great district and I hope you find it informative! If you have questions or other ideas for Fast Fact tidbits, please contact our Community Relations Department at 701-323-4091 or community_relations@bismarckschools.org. Then watch the BPS website and/or social media in the coming months for additional Fast Facts information! 

Example: Bismarck Public Schools is the largest school district in North Dakota, serving more than 13,000 students and their families in grades K-12. We are the 3^rd largest employer in the Capital City with a payroll of $103 million. Click here for more Fast Facts. 

Bismarck Public Schools participates in various Title programs. If you have questions or concerns about any Title Federal programs and/or the services your child is receiving, you are encouraged to take steps as soon as possible to resolve the situation. If concerns cannot be resolved Federal regulations require that each district adopt procedures for receiving and resolving disputes pertaining to the Federal Title program. BPS Dispute Resolution procedures can be found here: Bismarck Public Schools Dispute Resolution Procedure

Parents who move to Bismarck or within Bismarck that necessitates a school transfer must register before August 1 to be assured a spot in their boundary school. You can do this online at www.bismarckschools.org, Registration, K-12 Registration. Thanks!

BPS posts information and photos several times a day, even during the summer, so don’t miss out! Like Us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/BismarckPublicSchools/) or Follow Us on Twitter (@BismarckSchools).

Anxiety and depression are on the rise among America’s youth, and whether they personally suffer from these conditions or not, 7 out of 10 teens today see those conditions as major problems among their peers—no matter their race, gender or socio-economic status. Fewer teens, though still substantial numbers, are concerned about bullying, drug addiction and alcohol consumption. More than 4 in 10 cite these as major teen issues.

The Pew Research Center recently surveyed U.S. teens ages 13-17. When it comes to pressure, academics and the pressure to get good grades tops the list. Teens also feel the pressure to look good, fit in socially, be involved in extracurricular activities, and be good at sports. To learn more, click here: http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2019/02/20/most-u-s-teens-see-anxiety-and-depression-as-a-major-problem-among-their-peers/

By Dr. Jason Hornbacher 

My family and I want to thank all of you for the opportunity to serve this great community!  I am a former Bismarck Public School graduate and I am indebted to the Bismarck educators of long ago who provided me the educational foundation to follow my dreams.  I am also grateful to all of you who continue to help me learn and grow as a professional.  I have worked for BPS for 29 years and started my career as an instructional aide.  I have taught at the elementary, middle and graduate levels.   I served as an assistant middle school principal, middle school athletic director, principal, adjunct professor and consultant.  I am a proud Veteran of the Armed Services.  Amy and I have been married for 28 years and we have two beautiful children Alexandra Hornbacher (25) and Lauren Hornbacher (17).  Carol and LeRoy Hornbacher, my mother and father, continue to be there for me each and every day.  I have a deep passion for the Bismarck Community, Bismarck Public Schools, but most importantly a passion to serve all students.  I will work with all of you to create the conditions for all students to succeed in life and follow their dreams.  Thank you for this opportunity to serve all of you in this position called the superintendency. (NOTE: Dr. Hornbacher starts as Superintendent on March 1.)

In the event of an emergency, we ask you keep the following in mind:

1. DO NOT CALL YOUR STUDENT - this ties up the phone lines for emergency phone calls to law enforcement and it also puts your student at risk in an intruder situation. If the student forgets or doesn't have time to turn down the ringer of his/her phone, your phone call could potentially give away their hiding spot.
2. DO NOT COME TO THE SCHOOL - Law enforcement will not let you get to the school and you will potentially clog up roads that first responders need to use to gain access to the school. As soon as it’s safe to do so, BPS will notify you of the location of the Reunification Site where you can meet up with your child.
3. BRING GOVERNMENT ISSUED I.D. TO REUNIFICATION SITE - students will not be released to parents/guardians who do not present proper identification. This is for the safety of all students.
4. BPS WILL COMMUNICATE WITH YOU - BPS will be in contact with you via Swift K-12 announcements that come in the form of emails, text messages, and/or phone calls. Please understand while we work to get messages out as soon as possible, our commitment is to provide you the most accurate information. 

If you have questions about reunification procedures, contact our BPS Safety Officer Becky Labella, 323-4086, becky_labella@bismarckschools.org.

Parents who move to Bismarck or within Bismarck that necessitates a school transfer must register before August 1 to be assured a spot in their boundary school. You can do this online at www.bismarckschools.org, Registration, K-12 Registration. Thanks!