How to Vote
The Bozeman School District 7 (BSD7) school board election is conducted entirely by mail. Here's what you need to know:
Ballots Mailed
Ballots are mailed to all registered voters in BSD7 starting April 17, 2026. If you don't receive yours, contact the Gallatin County Elections Office.
Return Your Ballot
Return your ballot by mail or drop it off at a designated location by May 5, 2026. Late ballots are not counted.
Register to Vote
Montana allows same-day voter registration. If you're not registered, you can register through Vote Montana.
Who Can Vote
Any registered voter residing within the Bozeman School District 7 boundaries can vote in this election. You do not need children in the district to participate.
What Does the BSD7 Board Do?
The Bozeman School District 7 Board of Trustees is the governing body for all public schools in the Bozeman area. The board is responsible for:
- Setting district policy on curriculum, student conduct, and school operations
- Approving the annual budget and overseeing taxpayer funds
- Hiring and evaluating the superintendent
- Making decisions about school facilities, construction, and maintenance
- Negotiating teacher and staff contracts
Board meetings are open to the public and typically held on the second and fourth Monday of each month. For official district information, visit bsd7.org.
What's at Stake in the 2026 Election
Two trustee seats, two operating levies, and decisions that will shape BSD7 for years: teacher retention, phone-free schools, facility planning, and how the district spends taxpayer dollars.
What Else Is on the Ballot
In addition to the trustee election, voters will decide on two General Fund operating levies to fund programs and staff retention:
Elementary Levy
$1,200,000 annual General Fund operating levy for elementary schools.
High School Levy
$600,000 annual General Fund operating levy for high schools.
A portion of both levies will specifically address employee cost of living. Staff pay has not kept pace with Bozeman's housing costs.
The combined $1.8 million in new levies is offset by $1.8 million in expiring bond payments from the 2006 Bozeman High School renovation. The estimated net impact is $8.81 per year for an owner-occupied home valued at $600,000.
Source: BSD7 2026 Election Brochure
What trustees actually decide
When you vote for the BSD7 Board of Trustees, you are electing people who set district policy, approve the budget, and hire the superintendent. Trustees do not run individual schools or pick lesson plans. That work belongs to principals, teachers, and the superintendent's office.
Election FAQ
How many seats are on the BSD7 Board of Trustees?
The BSD7 Board of Trustees has seven elected members serving three-year staggered terms. In May 2026, two seats are open. Incumbents Kevin Black (Board Chair) and Greg Neil have filed for reelection, and Patrick Zimny has filed as a challenger. The two candidates receiving the most votes will be elected.
Is the BSD7 school board election partisan?
No. Montana school board elections are nonpartisan. Candidates do not run with party labels. The Bozeman School District 7 election focuses on local education issues like budgets, curriculum, facilities, and student outcomes. Not national politics.
What happens if I don't receive my ballot?
Contact the Gallatin County Elections Office. Montana allows same-day voter registration, so you can also register and vote in person at the elections office before the May 5, 2026 deadline. All BSD7 registered voters should receive ballots by mail starting April 17.
Where can I find official BSD7 election information?
The official source is Vote Montana. For district information, visit bsd7.org. The BSD7 Board of Trustees also posts meeting agendas and minutes on the district website.
Who is running for Bozeman School Board in 2026?
Three candidates have filed for two open seats on the BSD7 Board of Trustees: incumbents Kevin Black and Greg Neil, and challenger Patrick Zimny. The two candidates with the most votes will serve three-year terms. Learn more about Patrick.
How are Bozeman school board trustees elected?
BSD7 trustees are elected in a mail-ballot election each May. The election is nonpartisan, no party labels. Any registered voter within BSD7 boundaries can vote. Ballots are mailed starting April 17, 2026 and must be returned by May 5, 2026.
Meet Patrick Zimny
Bozeman dad, tech security professional, and husband to a BSD7 kindergarten teacher.
About Patrick & His Priorities