Three SD6 school board positions up this election cycle

People wanting to serve as a school board trustee have until Feb. 9 to file paperwork to appear on the ballot for May 5.

It is also the last day a candidate may withdraw from the election by sending a statement to the clerk of the school district they intended to represent. 

Prospective trustee candidates must submit a declaration of intent and oath of candidacy form with the clerk in the school district they wish to represent. The form may be obtained from a school district clerk or online through the Flathead County Election Department at flatheadcounty.gov.

March 2 is the deadline for write-in candidates to file a declaration of intent and oath of candidacy. Votes only count for write-in candidates who file a declaration of intent.  

If the number of candidates is equal to or less than the number of openings on a school board by April 3, districts may cancel trustee elections and qualified candidates will be seated by acclamation.  

Being a trustee is a volunteer position. Trustees are responsible for making decisions that affect how schools operate as representatives of their constituents. Some duties include adopting the annual budget, collective bargaining agreements and curriculum; setting policies; hiring and evaluating superintendents; hiring/firing personnel under an administrator’s recommendation; setting district goals and priorities; serving on committees; visiting schools and overseeing facility concerns; among other responsibilities that support and hold school districts accountable.  

Trustees may not be employed by the school district they represent, with the exception of refereeing events sanctioned by the Montana High School Association.

Columbia Falls has three openings for three-year terms. File paperwork at 501 Sixth Ave. W., Columbia Falls. For more information call 892-6554 or email [email protected].   Up for re-election this year are M