April 16, 2025
Helena, MT – As the deadline for local school board ballots approaches on May 6, some community members are expressing growing concerns over what they describe as inadequate communication and an unreasonably short window for public engagement.
Unlike state and federal elections, where ballots and election information are readily available through the Montana Secretary of State’s My Voter Page, school board elections are conducted solely through the county elections office, meaning they are not featured on the state platform as most expect. Voters instead must navigate the Lewis and Clark County website to locate a sample ballot, a process not well labeled. (**See below for directions)
“This feels intentional,” said one concerned parent. “Why make it difficult… unless you don’t want people to find it?” To add further frustration, each ballot can offer different items to vote on according to your residence address and what is up for vote in your district.
What “Could Be” On Your Ballot: 3 Helena School Board Trustee positions & 3 School Levies
Three seats are up for election on the Helena Public Schools Board of Trustees: Board positions currently held by Siobhan Hathhorn, Jeffrey Hindoien, and Kay Satre have termed. Both Hathhorn and Satre are seeking re-election, while Hindoien is not. Carrie Jones, Hanna Warhank, John Klein III, and Jenny Murnane Butcher make for an even six candidates in this race.
Three levies on this ballot will affect property taxes: a proposed permanent increase of $293,681 for the Elementary General Fund, a $1,979,500 Elementary Technology Fund Levy, and an $870,500 High School Technology Fund Levy, the latter two for a duration of ten years.
After the emergency policy challenges of 2020 and 2021, parents nationwide have stepped up to the plate, attending meetings and demanding accountability from their school boards. While policies and emotions have since mellowed, the underlying concerns linger. One parent put it frankly: “It’s become painfully clear how little we really know about the leaders shaping our kids’ education—and that’s on US!”
With a ticking clock and scant information available, many parents feel frustrated at the short election timeline and lack of available information. This scarcity of details makes it nearly impossible for the average voter to research and evaluate candidates effectively. League of Women Voters is offering the only in-person public forum this week, just as ballots are arriving in mailboxes. (***See details below)
As we approach the crucial May 6 deadline, community members are encouraged to reach out to candidates directly and gather as much information as they can—your vote truly matters!
**Go to www.lccountymt.gov
- Click on the yellow tab Voter Info box
- Scroll down the blue-lined menu to What’s on the Next Ballot and click the + plus sign
- Scroll down past the Municipal Races section and click the yellow SAMPLE BALLOTS button
*** Helena School Board Trustee Candidate Forum
- Wednesday, April 23, 2025
- 6:30-7:45pm
- Lewis & Clark Library
One Response
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