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Sen. Cora Neumann
Senate District 30
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Sen. Denise Hayman
Senate District 33
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Sen. Chris Pope
Senate District 33
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Rep. Scott Rosenzweig
House District 57
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Rep. Ed Stafman
House District 59
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Rep. Alanah Griffith
House District 60
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Rep. Becky Edwards
House District 61
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Rep. Josh Seckinger
House District 62
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Rep. Peter Strand
House District 63
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Rep. Kelly Kortum
House District 64
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Rep. Brian Close
House District 65
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Rep. Eric Matthews
House District 66
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Audrey Cromwell
County Attorney
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Eric Semerad
County Clerk & Recorder/Surveyor
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Zach Brown
County Commissioner
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Scott MacFarlane
County Commissioner
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John Nielson
Superintendent of Schools
Sen. Cora Neumann
Senate District 30
0Cora Neumann is a rural health and economic development leader with a track record of delivering results for underserved and rural communities, improving access to health care, and protecting our public lands. She’s running for Congress to make sure Montanans have access to good jobs and wages; that our small businesses can succeed; and that families who’ve lived here for years or generations can afford to stay.
To get her education, Cora worked as a waitress, nanny, and construction worker – and still has student debt to this day. Over the past 25 years, Cora has founded and led multiple non-profit organizations that help create jobs, improve child nutrition and mental health services, boost maternal health, and protect our public lands. She has done this work in Montana and across the country and world – working with local leaders, Republicans and Democrats alike, to solve problems that families and workers are facing.
When COVID hit, Cora founded We Are Montana to get personal protective equipment, life-saving information, financial aid, and vaccines out to Montanans so our economy could re-open as quickly and safely as possible. She worked with small business owners to help them keep the lights on, raised money to support rural county commissioners and health workers, and centered her work on delivering tangible results to rural counties.
Since 2015, Neumann has been working across Montana and the Rocky Mountain West to fight for the protection of public lands. As part of that effort, she collaborated with Indigenous communities, farmers and ranchers, and the conservation community to fight back against Washington’s attempt to cut protections for public lands – recently celebrating the restoration of Bears Ears National Monument.
We deserve a leader who understands what Montanans are experiencing and can meet this moment. Someone whose Montana roots and experience delivering for rural communities gives them the backbone to stand up to Washington and protect the Montana we love. And someone who will make sure Montana continues to be a place where our children can grow and thrive. Cora is that leader.
Cora Neumann was raised in Bozeman by her mom, a homemaker, and her step-father, a union carpenter. She and her husband are raising their two teenage children there, surrounded by four generations of family.
Watch the Forward Montana Congressional Candidate in Bozeman
Sen. Pat Flowers
Senate District 32
Who is Pat Flowers?
I moved to Montana from my Ohio birthplace in 1977 as a college junior to finish my undergraduate degree in forestry, and complete a master’s degree in forest economics at the University of Montana. I went on to a career in forest fire research, forest economics, forest management, and fish, wildlife and parks. I raised two daughters in Montana with my wife, Hedvig, who passed away in 2007. In 2014 I remarried. My wife, Melissa, and I now share four daughters who are either pursuing their college degrees or professional careers.
Why is Pat running?
I am running for Senate District 32 to strengthen the reasons why you choose to live, work and recreate in Montana — including a robust public education system, access to affordable health care, and exceptional open access to our rivers and public lands. I bring a lifetime of public-service experience working to address Montana’s toughest natural resource issues. With your support, we will translate that problem-solving success into home-grown progress in many other areas.
Pat’s Values
Pat has demonstrated integrity throughout his public service career. He has taken on some of the toughest issues in Montana and through it all maintained a commitment to the sound management of our resources and the well-being of our citizens.
Pat has shown great perseverance on issues like elk management where he pushed for solutions that recognized the concerns of private landowners, while focusing on the goal of managing elk as valued Montana wildlife of great importance to sportsmen and women.
As a public servant, Pat has embraced transparency in government, hosting hundreds of public meetings and forums on difficult issues. He understands the value and need for state government to find solutions in an open setting where Montana citizens can participate.
Pat recognized throughout his professional career that the toughest problems are best solved with all interests at the table. The shared solutions that come out of those efforts are not only better crafted, but they also result in outcomes that are more broadly supported, and better stand the test of time.
Learn more about Pat and his positions on key issues
2023 Leg. Session Zoom Check-in: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pOuIrjsCyEmi0orHVNSRUV_W1BGIiIfq/view?usp=share_link
Sen. Denise Hayman
Senate District 33
After four terms in the House where she serves as one of four Democratic Minority Whips and on the Energy, Technology and Federal Relations; and State Administration Committees, Hayman is running for Senate. Hayman, a long-time Bozeman School board member, is an advocate for quality public education. She is a strong supporter of public lands and for small businesses.
2021 Voting Record
100% on environmental issues (Montana Environmental Information Center)
100% on LGBTQ2S+ rights (Forward Montana)
10o% on Native rights and voting rights (Western Native Voice)
Sen. Chris Pope
Senate District 33
Goals
- Moving the state to a New Energy Economy that addresses climate change, reduces emissions, and creates thousands of well-paying 21st Century jobs
- Protecting and Promoting Access to Public Lands
- Expanding Educational and Vocational Opportunity for Montana students with disabilities
- Providing Property Tax Relief via progressive local option sales tax reform
Qualifications
- 15 Years as a Main Street Business Leader
- Past Chair, Bozeman Parking Commission
- Presented Bozeman “Life is Downtown” achievement award
- Board Member, Eagle Mount, the Yellowstone Business Partnership
- Board Treasurer, Montana Conservation Corps
Candidate Statement
Chris Pope is a Bozeman business and community leader who is running as a Democrat for State Senate District to improve the quality of life for working Montanans and their families.
Chris is an advocate for a strong, transparent, and efficient state government, and is committed to finding practical solutions to critical issues facing residents and taxpayers working across the aisle to break down the political polarity that has recently undermined the effectiveness of state leadership.
Chris believes that Montana is well-positioned to grow its agricultural, tourism, and high-tech industries, with the objective of creating high-quality, well-paying jobs and expanding markets for value-added Montana goods and services. An essential component of Montana’s future economic success is the continued stewardship of Montana’s environment and wildlife, as is a robust public education system and access to affordable health care.
Chris is a two-term member of the Montana House of Representatives who has extensive private sector experience, not to mention volunteer service in the non-profit and public sectors.
Chris is 67 years old, and lives with his wife, Maddy, in Bozeman. He is an avid amateur photographer and speaks fluent Spanish. He and Maddy have two adult-age children, Jessie and Ben.
Just for fun – what is your favorite type of pet and why?
I am a through-and-through animal lover with a particular and deep fondness for my Golden Retriever, Laramie. It was Laramie who was my companion when I was just 10 and dealing with my father’s sudden departure from our family. Laramie and I became ‘world travelers’ – when my world was the back yard, a dusty dirt road where I learned to ride my bike, and a wonderful small algae pond full of turtles and other mysteries across the street.
Rep. Scott Rosenzweig
House District 57
Scott is a proven entrepreneur, executive and Business Development expert, with significant experience in the leadership of technology growth companies. He has built success with organizations of many sizes, from smaller start-ups up to and including mid-size and multinationals. Scott creates customer and employee loyalty by leading and executing projects with unwavering ethics and an endless pursuit of win-win partnerships, driving organizations to succeed on their merits, with technical success.
Scott has built repeated success in the wireless space (satellite, cellular, wireless and IOT), applying decisive insight to successfully work through complex challenges, working with multi-partner organizations. He has one, lingering career goal, which is to bring to the US Government the best and most cost effective asset tracking solution it has ever had.
Scott is also a BridgerCare Ambassador.
Rep. Ed Stafman
House District 59
Goals for position
- Protecting public lands and conserving the environment, including through addressing the climate crisis.
- Promoting public education from pre-K through University.
- Increasing economic justice through a fair minimum wage, affordable health care, and rooting out systemic discrimination against minorities and women.
Candidate statement
I know the value of hard work. I’ve waited tables, worked in retail, and programmed computers. My passion for justice led me to become a civil rights attorney representing victims of discrimination and working people and labor unions, later shifting mainly to criminal defense, often defending those facing the death penalty.
After 25 years of law practice, inspired by Jewish teachings on seeing the unique light in every person, I spent 8 years in rabbinic school, simultaneously pursuing a Ph.D. in Religion. I then served Bozeman as its rabbi for the next decade, and now as Rabbi Emeritus. I’ve been with people at baby namings, marriages, illnesses, and deaths, developing a deep sense of the values we all share as humans.
Interfaith work is a big part of my life. The skills I learned there involve building on commonalities among diverse people, and that will be transferable when working in the legislature. I will be a voice for preserving our precious planet, economic justice, loving our neighbor and the stranger, values which most people share, and we must build on that.
I am married for 36 years with two wonderful adult children. I have been a hospital and hospice chaplain, and have volunteered with many charitable, conservation, justice and music and arts organizations. I’m an avid cyclist, skier, kayaker, hiker, and dog owner.
Just for fun – what is your favorite type of pet and why?
Dog: loyal, loving, playful, partner
Rep. Alanah Griffith
House District 60
I was born and raised in HD 64. I was lucky enough to be able to move back to Bozeman after law school in 2002 and back to the district in 2013. We are close to my parents who still live in our family home in Four Corners and are happy that we are raising our son here. My parents instilled in me the importance of serving our community. My father, Gary Griffith, served as the Chair of the Monforton School Board for 30 years. My mother, Linda Griffith, was involved with Eagle Mount for more than 20 years, 10 of those as Executive Director. Like my parents, I also have served our community in a variety of ways, both through my work and my volunteer experiences. I taught debate at Monforton, I am the coach of the Mock Trial Team in Big Sky, served on the boards of nonprofits Reach and Morningstar Learning Center, and volunteered my time at Eagle Mount and the Gallatin Legal Assistance Clinic.
I have been practicing law for almost 20 years. Most of my practice is dedicated to representing owner’s associations. I help them with everything from redrafting their governing documents so that their rules actually address the needs of the community, working with government agencies on infrastructure, acting as a mediator between neighbors who may not see eye to eye on a subject and when all else fails, going to court to argue on their behalf, and helping them preserve property values. Basically, I am like a legislator for my associations. I work hard to get their needs addressed through changes in their laws and working with various branches of government.
I hope to take my decades of experience giving my clients a strong voice in their communities and in court and put it to good use representing us in Helena. I believe together, we can find the common sense solutions to the real challenges facing our state today.
Rep. Becky Edwards
House District 61
Becky is a 26-year resident of Bozeman, working mom of three daughters, local small-business owner, and an executive director of a national conservation organization. Vital voices are largely missing from the state legislature–her family struggles with affordability issues and she worries her teenage daughters won’t have access to quality public education or safe healthcare. Edwards made a career of protecting our cherished public lands and climate.
Becky’s Values:
- Women’s & LGBTQI+ Rights
- Conservation & Climate
- Education
- Affordability
Rep. Josh Seckinger
House District 62
Josh Seckinger is a long time Bozeman resident and fly fishing guide. A passionate, pragmatic, progressive, Josh is committed to protecting our public lands, upholding women’s reproductive rights, and strengthening our public school system. Josh is also willing to work with anyone who has a good idea on tax relief, climate change policy, increasing access to health care, or housing availably and affordability. Josh is looking forward to getting to work, for the people who go to work everyday.
Through his frequent travels and love for the outdoors, Josh has gained a deep understanding of Montana and its people. His outgoing and personable nature has allowed him to connect with individuals from all walks of life, giving him a unique perspective on the needs and desires of everyday working Montanans. After years of simply talking, listening, and engaging with the people of Big Sky Country, Josh is convinced that the preservation of Montanan’s way of life is of utmost importance to its residents. He strongly believes that Montanans are dedicated to ensuring that the “last best place” remains just that.
Red Line Issues:
- Reproductive Rights
- Public Lands
- Public Education
- LGBTQ+ Rights
Pragmatic Issues:
- Property Tax Relief
- Fair Share Income Taxation
- Climate Change Policy
- Healthcare
- Local Government Control
- Housing Availability & Affordability
Rep. Peter Strand
House District 63
Peter served Bozeman as a public school teacher for nearly three decades, primarily at Irving Elementary School. In that role, he was named 2007 Montana History Teacher of the Year and 2019 Teacher Fellow with the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Also, he worked actively to secure three sizeable grants through the US State Department, bringing to Irving full-time Arabic teachers and programming from overseas. In addition to his teaching role, Peter served as a legislative organizer for MFPE for three years, where he discovered the possibilities afforded by legislative organizing, even when confronting an extremist supermajority. All of these are markers of his commitment to the community.
While acquaintances are sometimes puzzled by Peter’s switch from teaching children to running for office, to him the progression is natural: Schools present arguably the most complex, emotionally charged, high-stakes, unpredictable work environments in the valley. When you can remain productive and successful there, you are well poised to ride the rollercoaster that is our current legislature. Peter has dedicated himself tirelessly to Bozeman families for decades, and now he seeks to give similarly but in a fresh way.
Peter wants to see Montana’s government return to serving the needs of regular Montanans rather than the interests of gargantuan corporations and the hyper-elite. Montana should prioritize expanding access to opportunities for people who can’t pay for them out of pocket: robust public schools for our children, meaningful access to services, affordability and fair taxation, stopping governmental overreach into our private lives, protections, and fair compensation for anyone on the clock, reproductive rights, and access to public lands.
Peter feels lucky to have raised his three now twenty-something children in the Bozeman community with his wife, Cameron Hildreth. You may have seen him walking the streets with one of his better friends, his wheaten terrier, Severus.
Learn more about his campaign at strandformontana.com
Rep. Kelly Kortum
House District 64
Goals
- Defend and expand healthcare coverage to every Montanan
- Assure Montanans’ right to vote is protected
- Encourage forward-thinking economic policy that supports local small business and workers
Candidate statement
To make laws that are equitable for all Montanans, our government must be composed of a representative sample of our state’s inhabitants. The current legislature trends much older and wealthier than the average Montana resident. I will balance the legislature with fresh eyes on policies regarding technology, housing, healthcare, and education. If we wish to remain the ‘Last Best Place,’ we will need to be as innovative and versatile in our government as Montanans are known for being in our daily lives. ‘Business as usual’ hasn’t turned out too great for your typical worker for the last thirty years; I will respectfully point that out, and tirelessly work to change it. I would be honored to receive your vote to represent you.
Current occupation and qualifications
Kelly is a lifelong Montanan and has worked in farming, construction, and fire fighting before committing to a career in technology. He graduated with a B.S. in Computer Science from MSU. Kelly is currently an IT System Administrator at the Community Food Co-op, specializing in hardware, networking, and customer support. He has worked in IT at the Co-op for 10 years. Kelly has volunteered in elections and politics for 5 years in Gallatin County and contributed amendments to the Montana Democratic Party’s platform.
Just for fun – what is your favorite type of pet and why?
I refuse to take a stance on dogs VS cats because it is needlessly divisive.
2023 Leg. Session Update: https://drive.google.com/file/d/18SU5jwGTBWKbufkYse1t4ttkNn3h8TbC/view?usp=share_link
Rep. Brian Close
House District 65
Brian Close moved to Bozeman in 1994, where he created an independent law office specializing in estate planning and tax law. Over the last 30 years, he has served as Chairman of Galavan, chaired the city task force on transit, pushed through Bozeman’s Smokefree Ordinance, co-wrote the Bozeman City Charter, which includes ethics reform, and chaired the Recreation board that proposed and passed the creation of Bozeman’s park district. A staunch opponent of censorship and advocate for public libraries, Brian served as a Lawyer for Libraries, pro bono, and is a recipient of a special award Intellectual Freedom award made by the Montana Library Association.
In his own words, Brian says on his candidacy, “I am running for the statehouse office after hearing the concerns of my fellow citizens about decisions made at the recent session of the Montana State Legislature. Seniors, in particular, are being devastated by the irresponsible property tax hike pushed through by Republicans in the last legislative session. As a tax attorney and experienced policymaker, I have the skill to fix that.
The state constitution, medical privacy rights, libraries, the LGBTQ+ community, professional credentials, and the Montana Supreme Court are all under attack by Republicans. Meanwhile, our antiquated tax system, state hospital at Warm Springs, mental health infrastructure, and Medicaid wither on the vine dying from lack of attention. We need less culture war and more good government.
As we campaign across the district, I look forward to hearing from the voters and better understanding their thoughts, ideas, and concerns. Government should serve the people. If elected, I will devote my legal expertise and policy-making experience to protect taxpayers, and improve how our government works for all Montanans, especially the most vulnerable among us.”
Rep. Eric Matthews
House District 66
Eric Matthews (Democratic Party) is a member of the Montana House of Representatives, representing District 66. He assumed office on January 2, 2023. His current term ends on January 6, 2025. Matthews was born in Bozeman, Montana and graduated from Bozeman High School in 1992. He earned two degrees from Montana State University. His career experience includes working as an educator at Chief Joseph Middle School. Matthews served as the vice president of Bozeman Education Association and on the board of the Montana Federation of Public Employees
Audrey Cromwell
County Attorney
Audrey Cromwell was raised in Billings, Montana by public service-oriented parents in the medical field. Since earning her law degree from University of Montana she has worked in criminal law, serving the community as a Judge pro tem, prosecutor, public defender, and private defense attorney. Audrey is a proud mom to her elementary-aged son, and proud partner to her husband Charlie, a U.S. Army veteran.
Audrey understands the underpinnings of the Montana state justice system and recognizes the specific challenges that stymie a healthy community. In the face of escalating conflict created by the county’s current mental health and housing crises, she brings a sharp perspective tempered by a passion for collaboration. For more information on her policies, please visit www.audreycromwell.com.
Hear from Audrey directly at this recording of her speaking at our monthly meeting!
Sandy Erhardt
Clerk of District Court
Goals
- Modernization of Gallatin County’s court system, to include e-filing and the implementation of a digital case management system
- To provide excellent customer service to the public
- Ensure access to our judicial system
Candidate Statement
Given the District Court’s caseload and Gallatin County’s growth, a well-functioning District Court is vital to justice in our community. My extensive experience has prepared me for the job and has given me firsthand knowledge of the specific challenges our judicial system faces. Providing excellent customer service, maintaining accurate records efficiently, and ensuring access to our judicial system will be my top priorities as the Clerk of District Court.
Our court system is behind on services that should have been available years ago. As Clerk I will advocate for the modernization of Gallatin County’s court system, including e-filing and the implementation of a digital case management system – these are imperative in improving efficiency and access of our court system.
Current Occupation and Qualifications
I have worked in the Clerk’s office, serving the people of Gallatin County with integrity and dedication for nineteen years. I have been the Management Supervisor since 2016. My strong work ethic, proven dedication, and nineteen years of experience make me the most capable candidate for the Clerk of Court.
Just for fun – what is your favorite type of pet and why?
I am definitely a dog person and we have the best dog ever, a golden retriever named Frida. She brings so much joy to our family – she is my loyal running partner and my kids’ best friend.
Eric Semerad
County Clerk & Recorder/Surveyor
Goals
- Continue to improve and modernize county public records storage and access in the office and online.
- Diligently administer the election process and ensure the right to vote for all eligible citizens.
- Oversee recording of County Commission actions.
- Manage vital (birth & death) record issuance.
Qualifications
- Recording Department Supervisor – 15 years
- Chief Deputy Clerk – 10 years
- Bachelor of Science from Montana State University
- Modernized Clerk & Recorder records and put them online
- Responsibly manage department budget and one of the largest revenue sources in the county
Candidate Statement
“I work with integrity and dedication to develop lasting relationships with county and private sector customers. I have the most in-depth knowledge and experience it takes to hold this office. I am the most qualified candidate for Clerk and Recorder/Surveyor.”
Jennifer Boyer
County Commissioner
Jennifer is from a small fruit-farming community in Western New York where she grew up helping her father in his veterinary clinic. She attended Cornell University and after college moved to Oregon to work and study watershed science and management. Her career has focused on facilitating consensus on water resources, community planning and public land management. She has worked with a variety of local governments, community organizations and nonprofits across Montana and the Northern Rockies for the past 25 years.
Zach Brown
County Commissioner
Goals
As your County Commissioner, I will:
- Protect traditional agriculture, our local food system, and open spaces
- Promote smart growth and economic development planning
- Promote fiscal responsibility and transparency
Candidate Statement
As a candidate for the Gallatin County Commission, I am stepping up to meet our challenges head-on. My call to community service is rooted in a belief that this moment in time demands that we all contribute to serving our fellow citizens. I am running because I love this place and want to play an active, positive role in shaping its future. I will invest my experience and expertise to work for you and all our neighbors. I grew up here. I am a proud product of the Bozeman public school system, and I represented Gallatin County for three terms in the Montana State Legislature where I demonstrated my ability to work across partisan and cultural lines. I spent over five years working at One Montana where we built innovative and collaborative solutions between rural and urban community interests. County government does not just serve rural residents. Citizens who live within our towns and cities pay many county taxes and depend on many county services including protection of our water, public health, and the detention center to name a few. I believe our County Commission must represent all of us. I bring to the table curiosity, compassion, an open mind, and bridge-building skills that will help improve collaboration and inspire people in our county and city government to work together instead of against each other.
Current Occupation and Qualifications
I am a three-term Montana Legislator, representing Southwest Bozeman and the campus of Montana State University in the House of Representatives since 2014. I have served as the minority Vice Chair of the House Taxation and Natural Resources committees, and am currently Chair of the bipartisan Water Policy Interim Committee. At home, I am a nonprofit professional, having worked for One Montana from 2014 – 2019, and am currently working for the Human Resources Development Council. I have previously worked for my family’s Gallatin Valley small construction and retail businesses and spent time as a professional researcher at Georgetown University.
Just for fun – what is your favorite type of pet and why?
Alice and I have two very sweet and strange mixed-breed rescue dogs named Norman and Wanda. They give us lots of joy (and haven’t eaten our chickens yet), so dogs have to top my list.
Scott MacFarlane
County Commissioner
Goals
- The Gallatin County Commission needs to do more to recruit and retain valuable public safety employees
- Updating and expanding the county’s law and justice facility is a top priority. The safe, efficient, and effective operation of the courts and sheriff’s office is not possible at the current facility.
- Affordable housing to support the region’s workforce
Qualifications
- Manage multi-million dollar school construction projects and all district facilities personnel and funding as Belgrade Public Schools Facilities Director
Candidate Statement
“Gallatin County has recently found itself on the world stage as a top destination to live, learn, invest, start-up, or relocate a business. Long term residents have come to understand this growth is a permanent reality, and know it will only speed up.
“Gallatin County has a small army of dedicated people looking out for our communities and environment with five incorporated municipalities, multiple unincorporated communities, and additional leadership groups such as school boards, water boards, fire boards, lands boards, and irrigation boards. I witness the accelerating growth in Gallatin County cause strain among the numerous management groups in our area. These organizations each have their own responsibilities to plan for our future, and all these plans risk failure without respectful collaboration, communication, and partnership.
“Serving at-large, the County Commissioners represent EVERYONE in our County. I am resolved the County Commission holds the greatest responsibility in the success of these partnerships.
“Gallatin County is made up of hard-working citizens with brilliant minds. When we work together, there is no problem too large to tackle. I will be a Commissioner who collaborates and builds partnerships. I am completely dedicated to the success of our future. Together we can ensure Gallatin County plans its future responsibly in a way that benefits everyone.”
John Nielson
Superintendent of Schools
John was born and raised in Havre, Montana. He has an undergraduate degree in American Studies from Carleton College, a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Montana, and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Montana State University. John and his partner, Rochelle, live in Bozeman and have two children currently in Bozeman Public Schools. John also works as an educational consultant and as a performance coach. He has been a licensed educator for 23 years and an athletic coach and outdoor instructor for many years before that. John will bring a passion and advocacy for all kids in the county to the superintendency. He has been a public school teacher, a private school teacher, an administrator, and has homeschooled his own kids during the pandemic. He strives to help students find the fun in learning by helping them figure out how they best learn.
John wants to be the Gallatin County Superintendent of Schools because he knows firsthand that education in America is evolving – and John wants to help ensure that evolution is a positive one across Gallatin County. He believes that our kids need as many allies as they can get right now. School and the world is challenging for them in a very different way than it was for their parents. He knows today’s kids need to access both their creativity and activate their problem solving skills – and that students learn best when they are engaged and find joy in learning.
John also knows that teaching is hard, especially now. As a trainer and coach, he has a track record of helping teachers reach kids, be better at what they do and happier doing it. He wants to support all teachers, whether they are a parent teacher, a private school teacher, or a public school teacher. Importantly, John knows how to reach kids, support teachers AND connect with parents as educational partners. He knows that for students to succeed, they need education systems that work for them.