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 at the Gallatin County Elections Office.
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
The BSD7 Board of Trustees faces several significant decisions in the coming years that will shape the experience of students and families across Bozeman School District 7.
Phone-Free Schools in Bozeman
Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, BSD7 high schools are implementing a phone-free policy during instructional time. The research on student mental health and focus is clear — phones in classrooms are a distraction and contribute to anxiety. This policy isn't easy, and parents have mixed feelings. But the evidence supports trying something hard over doing nothing.
Teacher Retention in Bozeman School District 7
Bozeman's housing costs have made it increasingly difficult to recruit and retain teachers in BSD7. When experienced educators leave for more affordable communities, students lose continuity and mentorship. The board will need to find creative solutions — whether through housing assistance, competitive compensation, or partnerships with local organizations — to keep great teachers in Bozeman School District 7 classrooms.
BSD7 Growth and Facilities
Bozeman continues to grow, and Bozeman School District 7 must plan for enrollment changes, facility needs, and equitable resource distribution across schools. These are long-term decisions that require careful stewardship of public funds.
Election FAQ
How many seats are on the BSD7 Board of Trustees?
The Bozeman School District 7 Board of Trustees has seven elected members. Trustees serve three-year staggered terms, so two or three seats are up for election each year. In May 2026, voters will fill open seats on the board.
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 — 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 the Gallatin County Elections Office. For district information, visit bsd7.org. The BSD7 Board of Trustees also posts meeting agendas and minutes on the district website.
About Patrick Zimny
Patrick Zimny is a Bozeman dad and tech security professional running for the BSD7 Board of Trustees in the 2026 Bozeman school board election. His wife Adrienne teaches kindergarten at Longfellow Elementary, and their two children attend Bozeman School District 7 schools. Patrick brings professional experience in budgeting, compliance, and organizational oversight to his candidacy.