The ACLU of Montana encourages Montana voters to cast their ballots in 2025 school board elections because we deserve schools that are safe, inclusive, and reflective of our communities. School boards are key in achieving the ACLU of Montana’s vision of a fair, equitable, and free Montana that welcomes and celebrates diversity of all kinds. By voting in local school board elections on or before May 6th, you are signaling support not only for our students, but also for our teachers, bus drivers, and many more hardworking members of communities across Montana.
School Boards Make A Difference
In schools across our country, a coordinated attack on students' rights is underway, and Montana is not immune. At a time when classrooms have become a flashpoint for national debates, voting in school board elections is more important than ever – here's why.
Among many other duties, school boards are primarily responsible for:
- Developing and implementing district policies and programs that create learning environments for all students to thrive;
- Ensuring millions of public dollars are spent appropriately and are allocated equitably for staff, facilities, students, and technology;
- Hiring, evaluating, and holding superintendents accountable for management and student outcomes;
- Developing and approving a comprehensive and inclusive curriculum; and
- Being responsive to the interests of the community.
To learn more about the 2025 school board elections check out the 2025 school board election handbook from the Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI).
Election Information
If you live in one of the Montana communities that’s electing school board members this year, including Billings, Bozeman/Belgrade, Flathead, and Missoula, your ballot will be mailed to you sometime between April 16th and April 26th. You can check the Montana Secretary of State website to see if you live in a town that will be voting in school elections. If so, be sure to send your ballot back immediately, no later than Friday, May 2, or take it directly to your county election office before May 6.
For more information about voting in Montana, visit Forward Montana’s Voter Hub and page on the 2025 school board elections. Forward Montana also has specific information about the 2025 school board elections in Billings, Belgrade/Bozeman, Flathead, and Missoula, including candidate questionnaires.
Local school boards are vital: they represent and reflect a community’s values, in addition to advocating for students. School boards play a large role in developing policies for our school districts, including curriculum, budgets, and ensuring our schools run effectively in the best interest of the community. Thank you for voting in this election!
