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2026 Election Notice

2026 School Board Election – Call for Candidates

Kalispell Public Schools will hold its Annual Regular School Election on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.

This year, there are three (3) open trustee positions for the Elementary District and three (3) open trustee positions for the High School District.

Open Trustee Positions

Kalispell Elementary District 5

  • Two (2) Seats: Three-Year Terms
  • One (1) Seat: One-Year Term
  • Requirements: Must reside within the boundaries of the Kalispell Elementary School District.
  • Candidate Packet

Flathead High School District

  • District I (1 Seat): Three-Year Term
    • Represents: Marion, Olney/Bissell, Pleasant Valley, Smith Valley, and West Valley Elementary Districts.
    • Candidate Packet
  • District II (1 Seat): Three-Year Term
  • District IV (1 Seat): Two-Year Term

Candidate Key Dates & Deadlines

  • Filing Opens: Thursday, December 11, 2025
  • Filing Deadline: Monday, February 9, 2026, by 5:00 p.m.
    • Candidates must file a Declaration of Intent and Oath of Candidacy with the District Clerk.
  • Withdrawal Deadline: Monday, February 9, 2026
  • Write-In Candidate Deadline: Monday, March 2, 2026, by 5:00 p.m.
  • Election Day: Tuesday, May 5, 2026

How to File Candidate packets, including the Declaration of Intent and Oath of Candidacy, are available by clicking the above hyperlinks or at the Kalispell Public School District Office.

  • Location: 233 1st Avenue East, Kalispell, MT 59901 (North side entrance, top of the stairs).
  • Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Contact: Chris Campbell, 406-751-3400, ext. 3412 

School Trustee Position Available

Kalispell Public Schools - Elementary District No. 5

Kalispell Public Schools Elementary District No. 5 is seeking a dedicated individual to serve as a trustee. This is an opportunity to support the educational mission of the elementary district and contribute to thoughtful governance on behalf of students, staff, and the community.

Term: The appointed trustee will serve through May 2026.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Be a resident of Kalispell Public Schools Elementary District No. 5
  • Be a registered voter in the state of Montana
  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Have no disqualifying felony convictions
  • Be able to serve impartially and without conflicts of interest

Application Process & Timeline

  • January 28, 2026: Trustee vacancy posted
  • February 17, 2026: Letters of interest due by end of day
  • February 19 or February 20, 2026: Trustee interviews (date dependent on availability)
  • February 24, 2026: Formal appointment at the regularly scheduled Board of Trustees meeting

The Superintendent will bring a recommendation forward following interviews.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest via email or regular post no later than February 17, 2026, to:

  • Email: chris.campbell@sd5.k12.mt.us

  • Mailing Address: Kalispell Public Schools, Attn: Chris Campbell, 233 1st Ave E, Kalispell, MT, 59901
  • Phone: 406-751-3400, ext. 3412
  • Web: https://www.sd5.k12.mt.us/