The Great Falls Public Schools board reviewed their schedule for the next school election during their Nov. 27 meeting.
There is one seat open for the May 7 school board election.
It’s a three-year seat currently held by Marlee Sunchild.
Filing for that seat opens Dec. 14 and runs through March 28.
The school board must call for election by Feb. 27 with a resolution stating the date of the election, purpose, whether it will be mail or poll and voting locations, according to Brian Patrick, GFPS’ business operations manager.
County certifies November municipal election
April 4 is the last day trustee candidates can withdraw from the election to be removed from the ballot and the deadline to file as a write-in candidate.
If the district runs a levy, they must pass a resolution setting exact amounts by April 8.
Merchant responds to GFPS letter asking that elections duties be removed from her office
That’s also the deadline to declare election by acclamation and cancel the election if the number of candidates filed is equal to or less than the number of open trustee positions, Patrick said.
Ballots should be mailed April 17-22, Patrick said, and May 7 is election day.
Patrick said the estimated cost of their election is $45,000.
GFPS asks county to remove election duties from clerk and recorder’s office
He said there will be more information to come on elections, which is “a hot topic in our community right now.”
Superintendent Tom Moore told The Electric that they hadn’t received a response from Cascade County commissioners on their request to remove election duties from Cascade County Clerk and Recorder Sandra Merchant amidst complaints of errors in the election process and a lack of communication.
GFPS certifies election results, expresses concern with the process
Moore said they were waiting to see how the Nov. 7 municipal election went and would follow up with the county after the holidays.
