Bismarck Public Schools superintendent announces retirement

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) - The superintendent for Bismarck Public Schools, Dr. Jason Hornbacher, announced he will be retiring June 30, 2023.

Dr. Hornbacher made the announcement in a letter Wednesday, saying his retirement will go into effect on June 30, 2023. He said the early notice will give the school district enough time to hire the next person to fill the next position.

Hornbacher entered the BPS system as a Kindergartner and graduated in 1984. Hornbacher is a veteran who served in Desert Storm. He started his career in education as an elementary school educator before moving into administrative roles. He took the job as BPS’ superintendent in January 2019.

“The collective work BPS has accomplished over the past 4 years is only surpassed by the incredible relationships we have forged with each other, this community and most importantly the relationships we have with students and parents that call BPS home,” Dr. Hornbacher said in a message to his coworkers on Wednesday.

As he hangs up his hat as the Superintendent, he says one of the highlights of his career is the relationships that have formed.

“I am so proud of the relationship that we have created with kids and parents, business and industry partners, local businesses. Those things really shine a light that it takes a community to educate a child and those are the things I’m most proud of,” said Dr. Hornbacher.

He says in retirement he wants take time to focus on his family but leaves the door open to volunteer as a crossing guard or substitute teacher if the need arises.

He went on to say, “I enter this next phase of my life with a deep commitment to being the best husband, father, grandfather, son, and brother possible… When I was first hired by BPS the slogan was BPS is #1, I believe that slogan still rings true today.”