Ballots for the May 2026 election have started to arrive.
On the ballot for Monforton is one open trustee position. A school trustee is a volunteer position that, along with fellow elected trustees, is responsible for approving budgets, spending, hiring, priorities, and other key policies for the school. There are two candidates on the ballot. The following content was provided by each candidate and un-edited, including bold emphasises.
Ballots are due by May 5th, 2026.
Candidates
Julie Loessberg
Why do I want to be on the board?
My motivation is rooted in a deep commitment to the Monforton community, a place where I have invested many years as an educator. Having seen the district evolve from the inside, I want to ensure that as we grow, we do not lose the “small school” heart that makes Monforton special. I am running because I believe our board needs a member who understands the daily realities of our classrooms and can bridge the gap between administrative policy and student outcomes. I want to ensure every student, regardless of their learning profile, feels seen, supported, and prepared for the future.
What qualifications make me an effective board member?
I bring a rare dual perspective to this role:
- 16 Years of Classroom Experience: I have worked as both a general and special education teacher. I understand curriculum implementation, teacher burnout, and the complexities of classroom management.
- Professional Advocacy: In my current role as a special education advocate and consultant, I navigate complex state and federal regulations daily. I am skilled at finding collaborative solutions to high-stakes problems and work with many districts around the state.
- Institutional Knowledge: Having taught at Monforton, I already have established relationships with our teachers and administration. I don’t need a “learning year” to understand our culture or our specific district hurdles.
What are my roles and responsibilities as a board member?
The board’s primary job is governance, not management. My responsibilities would include:
- Policy & Oversight: Setting the high-level goals and policies that guide the district.
- Fiduciary Duty: Ensuring the budget is handled responsibly, especially as we expand facilities and staff to meet growth.
- Accountability: Evaluating the superintendent’s performance and ensuring our district meets state educational standards.
- Community Liaison: Acting as a bridge between the parents, the staff, and the administration to ensure transparency.
What is the biggest issue facing the district?
The defining challenge for Monforton is managing rapid growth while maintaining educational excellence. As we expand, we face the physical pressure of facilities and the cultural pressure of maintaining our identity. Specifically, we must focus on the high school transition. Because our students feed into Gallatin High School, we have a responsibility to ensure our middle school curriculum and social-emotional supports are rigorous enough that our students don’t just “get by” after 8th grade, but thrive in a much larger pond. We need a strategic plan that addresses infrastructure without compromising the individualized attention our students deserve.
Russell Wells
Statement
Hello Monforton School community. I’m Russell Wells and would be honored to gain your vote in the upcoming school board election. My wife and I currently have two students in the Monforton school district and a sophomore at Gallatin High School. I am an advocate for quality education, committed to supporting students, teachers, and families. In the past my family and I have been involved with other Blue Ribbon schools and a private school. Both with high educational standards.
My 21 years of corporate experience include overseeing multiple teams, budgeting, strategic planning, and contract negotiations that position me to be a valuable contributor to the Monforton School board.
With a belief in transparency, challenging norms, collaboration, and responsible decision- making, I am running for this trustee position to help ensure every student has access to a safe and high-performing school all while keeping the unique culture that we enjoy about our Monforton schools.
I look forward to having your vote in the May election and the ability to serve our schools and
community.