Saturday, March 28, 2026
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Filing deadline for school board trustees is March 28

BERL TISKUS | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 years AGO
by BERL TISKUS
Reporter Berl Tiskus joined the Lake County Leader team in early March 2023, and covers Ronan City Council, schools, ag and business. Berl grew up on a ranch in Wyoming and earned a degree in English education from MSU-Billings and a degree in elementary education from the University of Montana. Since moving to Polson three decades ago, she’s worked as a substitute teacher, a reporter for the Valley Journal and a secretary for Lake County Extension. Contact her at [email protected] or 406-883-4343. | March 28, 2024 12:00 AM

Looking for a challenging and rewarding way to contribute to the community? Seats are open on every school board in Lake County. 

But hurry: the filing deadline is today, March 28.

The Polson School Board has three seats open in the elementary district – those currently occupied by John Mercer, Alan Anderson and Tony Muzquiz – and a seat in the high school district held by Steven “Shane” Orien. 

As of Tuesday morning, no candidates had filed for the openings, including incumbents. 

Ronan School District has two school board seats open. Incumbent Tom Anderson has refiled for his position, but at last report, no other candidate has thrown his/her hat in the ring.

St. Ignatius School District has two openings for three-year terms, and neither incumbent Jeff Evans or JP Thomas had filed for re-election by the end of last week. Candidates who have filed are former board chair Peter Matt, Rochelle Groom, Darren Orr, Tim Marchant and Rhianna Rhukala.

Arlee School District has one open seat, and the only applicant so far is incumbent Lindsey O’Neill.

There are two openings for three-year terms in Charlo. Incumbent Jodie Johnson Buxbaum has filed as have Kirsten Marcure Bauer, Matt Hout and Brandon Jenson.

For the Dixon representative to the Charlo High School District, incumbent TJ Marmon is the only candidate so far.

Dayton School District #33 has one opening; and in the Swan Lake-Salmon Prairie School District #73, incumbent Manuel Q. Kestersonhas is running for the one three-year position.

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