May 5, 2026 Trustee Election Information

Trustee candidates must complete the Declaration of Intent and Oath of Candidacy form to file for one of the five seats that are up for election to the Missoula County Public Schools Board of Trustees. The election will be held on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.

The following board seats are up for election:

• Two K-12 trustee seats that represent both the Elementary and High School District for a three-year term and one trustee seat for a two-year term. Candidates must reside within the MCPS Elementary District boundary.
• One high school trustee seat that represents Election District “C” for a one-year term.  Candidates must reside in Election District “C”, which includes the attendance area for Hellgate Elementary school.  MCPS High School District Map
• One high school trustee seat that represents Election District “D” for a three-year term.  Candidates must reside in Election District “D”, which includes the attendance area for Seeley Lake, Clinton, and Potomac schools.  MCPS High School District Map

School trustees are non-paid positions. MCPS trustees are expected to attend two (2) monthly evening meetings that focus on school district operations. Trustees are also expected to attend special meetings, board work sessions, building visits, graduation ceremonies, and special events.

There are 11 trustees on the MCPS school board.  Seven trustees represent both Elementary and High School Districts, and four trustees represent various outlying communities, and only vote on High School District issues.  Trustees generally serve in staggered three-year terms and the state does not limit the number of terms a trustee may serve.

Who May Run for the Office of School District Trustee?

Any person qualified to vote in a district is eligible for the office of trustee. However, there are restrictions on who may hold office. A trustee may not be employed in any capacity by the trustee’s own school district (except for officiating athletic competitions under the auspices of the Montana Officials Association). The trustee candidate may be related to a school or county employee.

20-3-305 and 20-9-204, MCA. (2025 School Election Handbook, 2025). 

A person may not be eligible to hold office due to a conviction.  See 13-35-106, MCA 

What Are the Qualifications for School Trustee?

A trustee must: 1) be qualified to vote in a district; and 2) be a resident of the school district.  20-3-305, MCA. (2025 School Election Handbook, 2025). 

Qualified to vote means the person must: 1) be at least 18 years old; 2) be a resident of the state and county for at least 30 days; and 3) be a United States citizen. The person must not be: 1) a convicted felon currently serving a sentence in a penal institution; or 2) determined to be of unsound mind by a court of law. 13-1-111, MCA. (2025 School Election Handbook, 2025).

Instructions to File:

Complete the Declaration of Intent and Oath of Candidacy for trustee candidates.  The Oath of Candidacy must clearly identify the position sought.

1. Turn in your completed Oath of Candidacy by Monday, February 9, 2026 at 5 p.m. Candidates must sign before a Notary Public, if mailed/emailed, or before the Election Administrator or Deputy, if delivered in person. If emailed, the original must be mailed or delivered to MCPS or the Elections Office. Note deadline to withdraw as a candidate is by Monday, February 9, 2026 at 5 p.m.

Missoula County Public Schools
Denise Williams or Stephanie Wodarz
909 South Ave W, Missoula, MT 59801
Email:  dwilliams@mcpsmt.org  AND  swodarz@mcpsmt.org

Missoula County Elections Office
140 N. Russell St.
Email: electioninfo@missolacounty.us AND dwilliams@mcpsmt.org 

NOTE: If filing in person after February 2, please return your Oath of Candidacy to the Missoula County Elections Office.  

2. Candidates must work directly with the Commissioner of Political Practices to file the C-1-A form and any other required forms to appear on the ballot. As of October 2019, and in accordance with 13-37-225 and 226 MCA, all candidates must file these forms electronically.  Please visit the Commissioner of Political Practices page for instructions and to file. 
3. See “Contacts & Helpful Links” below if you have questions.

Note: Potential candidates have until 5 p.m. on March 2, 2026 to file the Declaration of Intent and Oath of Candidacy as a write-in candidate.  If filing as a write-in candidate on March 2, 2026 please return your Oath of Candidacy to the Missoula County Elections Office. Please contact the elections office, Stephanie Wodarz or Denise Williams (see contact information below).

Contacts and Helpful Links:

Missoula County Public Schools Business Services
Stephanie Wodarz or Denise Williams
909 South Ave W, Missoula, MT 59801
swodarz@mcpsmt.org or dwilliams@mcpsmt.org
(406)-728-2400 Ext. 3021 or 3020

Montana Commission of Political Practices
https://politicalpractices.mt.gov/Home/Forms
cpphelp@mt.gov
(406)-444-2942 

Missoula County Elections Office
140 N. Russell St.
electioninfo@missoulacounty.us
406-258-4751
Candidate information and to view a list of current candidates: https://www.missoulacounty.gov/departments/elections/candidate-filing/

Office of Public Instruction
www.opi.mt.gov
Click on “Leadership” and then “Elections”

Reference:

2025 Montana OPI Elections Handbook (2025).