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What Does a School Board Trustee Do?
February 10, 2026
By Kids Education Yes | Great Falls, Montana
On May 6, 2025, Great Falls voters will help decide who serves on the Great Falls Public Schools Board of Trustees.
This isn’t just an election. It’s a chance to shape the direction of our local schools—how we support teachers, how we budget for student success, and how we reflect community values in every classroom.
Trustees are the bridge between our schools and our community. They’re neighbors, parents, professionals—elected to make thoughtful, long-term decisions about how our public schools serve over 10,000 students.
What Does a School Board Trustee Do?
Think of trustees as the strategic guides of our school district. Their job is to listen, lead, and make decisions that prepare every student for success. That includes:
✅ Setting policy to keep schools running effectively and equitably
✅ Approving budgets to make sure every dollar supports students and staff
✅ Hiring and evaluating the superintendent—the district’s top leader
✅ Representing the community, bringing diverse voices to the table
They attend public meetings twice a month, ask tough questions, collaborate with staff, and stay focused on one goal: giving students the best education possible.
2025 School Board Election: What You Need to Know
🗓 Election Day: Tuesday, May 6, 2025
📬 Ballots: Mailed to all registered voters on April 21
📍 Return Options: By mail or drop-off at the Courthouse Annex or the Expo Park Election Office
🕗 Deadline: Ballots must be received by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day
For more details, visit the Cascade County Election Office.
This year, three trustee seats are on the ballot—each for a three-year term. The candidates include:
- Craig Duff
- Gordon Johnson (incumbent)
- Tony Rosales
- Paige Turoski (incumbent)
To help you learn more about the Trustee Candidates KEY has provided questionnaires for each of the candidates to submit so you can learn more about them. The responses are below listed in last name alphabetical order.
Craig Duff
What is your experience with and connection to Great Falls Public Schools? How has this shaped your perspective on education in our community?
As a parent, volunteer, and PTA board member at Meadow Lark Elementary, I’ve had the privilege of seeing firsthand the dedication, heart, and professionalism of our educators. My son is in fifth grade and has attended Great Falls Public
Schools since kindergarten. Since retiring in 2023, I’ve devoted my time to supporting his school community—volunteering in classrooms, helping with PTA events, leading an after-school photography club for students, and even filling in as a crossing guard.
I’ve been fortunate in my life to have been afforded the opportunity to speak with many people from all walks of life, and from all around the world. One thing all those conversations made me appreciate is the value of public education for
everyone, and how incredibly blessed we are in America that children have access to a world class education. Public education plays many roles in our society, but one of its main objectives is to develop students’ potential and enable
them to become well-rounded individuals. Our public schools should equip students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities that they need to succeed, whether their future path includes higher education or entry into the workforce.
There is no better place than our schools to foster critical thinking, creativity, and teamwork. But public education does so much more for our community. It cultivates strong civic and community values; it brings the community together
through events such as sports and the arts; and provides many students with a sense of belonging and a support system as they navigate their transition into adulthood.
2. What do you currently see as the most challenging issue facing Great Falls Public Schools? What successes do you see in the programs and teaching delivered through Great Falls Public Schools?
I believe that Great Falls Public Schools face a litany of coming challenges. Among them is clearly a chronic funding shortage. Closely tied to this is the district’s need to both retain the amazing staff it currently has, and its ability to attract the next generation of leaders into its classrooms. Another challenge that I find concerning is the nationwide decline in students’ mental wellbeing. It is important that Great Falls Public Schools establish a safe and respectful environment that is conducive to both learning as well as individual growth and well being.
With the Montana legislature currently still in session, there is some uncertainty around the funding outlook for the near future, but there are some encouraging developments such as the STARS Act. We will have to wait and see how exactly the Legislature’s decisions will affect Great Falls. On a local note, I have heard some very positive remarks about the peer mentoring group that has trained Great Falls middle and high school students to act as peers at several of the Great Falls campuses. I hope that Great Falls continues to focus resources on improving the mental health of not only its students, but staff as well.
3. If elected, what are the top three priorities you would focus on as a GFPS Trustee? How will these priorities support students, teachers and families?
Public education is a pillar of a strong democracy. It should provide every student with the opportunity to grow, thrive, and reach their full potential. Beyond academics, public schools build character, community, and connection. They prepare our children not only for careers and college but for civic life.
I believe that ultimately the success of public education comes down to its teachers, and as such my budget priorities would start with retaining our existing educators, while also recruiting the best and brightest into our classrooms. This means ensuring that Great Falls Public Schools offers fair compensation, manageable workloads, and safe, well-resourced classrooms.
Next among my priorities would be to ensure that our teachers have the support they need to set up their students for success. Ensuring teachers have access to the curriculum and supplies necessary to teach them, along with the necessary resources for effective teaching and learning.
I also prioritize student mental health services. Our student’s mental health is suffering and we should prioritize wellness for every student. Students should come every day to safe, healthy, and encouraging learning environments. Students also need a supportive life outside of school, and to encourage that, during my tenure on the PTA I brought in an online
safety expert to speak with parents about safeguarding their children’s online activities.
4. What aspect of public school funding do you think is the most in need of change? As a Trustee, how would you advocate for that change?
Ultimately, our school funding is a reflection of our values. I value the people – teachers, staff, and students – that are the heart and soul of our district. We are fortunate to have strong fiscal leadership here in Great Falls, and I believe that
our district has managed its finances with care and foresight, especially given the underfunding of public education in Montana. Rising costs continue to outpace our funding levels, forcing our school district into making difficult decisions that no district should have to make. I would support continued efforts to advocate for better state funding, and I would work closely with educators to ensure that budget priorities reflect classroom needs.
5. What do you want the community to know about you – your experience, values, and why you are running to serve Great Falls students and educators?
I’m not running because I think something is broken—I’m running because I want to keep what’s strong and make it even stronger. I believe deeply in the power of public education, and I have enormous respect for the teachers who make it work every day. I’ve witnessed the profound, positive impact teachers have had on my son’s life and the lives of his peers. My goal as a school board member is to listen to educators, elevate their voices, and ensure they have the tools, trust, and respect they need to continue delivering excellence in education. I bring an open mind, a collaborative spirit, and a strong belief in community. I will listen and I will learn, and I will always keep students and educators at the center of my decisions.
Gordon Johnson
What is your experience with and connection to Great Falls Public Schools? How has this shaped your perspective on education in our community?
I have been involved with the GF Public Schools, in one manner or another, for over forty years. Most recently as a GFPS Trustee. I am finishing my second term. Much has changed over the years. And, much has remained the same. I sense the same purpose of value and pride in what our District has been able to accomplish. The principal change has been the rise of living costs for Americans and reluctance to recognize that teachers need to be compensated to match these increases.
2. What do you currently see as the most challenging issue facing Great Falls Public Schools? What successes do you see in the programs and teaching delivered through Great Falls Public Schools?
The principal challenge is to convince our community that is that Trustees need to address the financial shortfall our schools are facing. In addition, having teachers leaving their careers early and the challenge of attracting new teachers to our community. Other challenges include addressing student achievement, increasing appropriate behavior among students, and increasing student opportunities to demonstrate skills, traits and characteristics as identified by the GFPS Profile of a Learner.
I see successes every single day. Whetor it is talking with a teacher who is inspired by the progress of a student, attending a concert, a play, or a sporting event. Successes can be found everywhere one looks.
3. If elected, what are the top three priorities you would focus on as a GFPS Trustee? How will these priorities support students, teachers and families?
Starting early (Fall 2025) to convince our district that we need to pass a levy in May 2026. Continue working with legislators to educate them on the need for school funding revisions. Maintaining essential programs, monitoring GFPS Policy to comply with state and federal law and keeping the Strategic Plan up to date to name but a few.
4. What aspect of public school funding do you think is the most in need of change? As a Trustee, how would you advocate for that change?
Again, this issue is largely in the hands of the Montana Legislature which needs constant communication for Montana school trustees so that can better understand our needs. The MTSBA is a key player in lobbying legislators. I keep in touch with them on a daily basis (during the session) and join them in efforts to communicate.
5. What do you want the community to know about you – your experience, values, and why you are running to serve Great Falls students and educators?
I have had the honor of working with dedicated teachers, administrators, KEY and fellow Trustees for the greater good of our district. After six years I feel I have gained a workable knowledge of what is needed to maintain our schools in a manner commensurate with community expectations. I have the energy and interest to continue on and am running for a third term.
Tony Rosales
What is your experience with and connection to Great Falls Public Schools? How has this shaped your perspective on education in our community?
As a fourth-generation Montanan and GFPS graduate, I hope we continue to prioritize education as a core pillar of our community. As a coach and community activist, I’m uniquely positioned to understand the inner workings of our school district and public funding system. I’ve attended school board meetings, participated in budget working sessions, and spoken with concerned families, educators, and district employees. My perspective is rooted in the belief that trust in
public education depends on transparency, fiscal responsibility, and inclusive decision-making.
2. What do you currently see as the most challenging issue facing Great Falls Public Schools? What successes do you see in the programs and teaching delivered through Great Falls Public Schools?
The two most significant challenges facing GFPS are its long-term budget shortfall and declining student achievement in our elementary schools. Both issues require a long-term, coordinated strategy to address effectively.
Despite these challenges, GFPS continues to produce excellent students—some of whom I’ve had the privilege to coach at CMR High School. Career preparation and technical skill development programs take full advantage of what Great Falls has to offer. Having judged top debate students nationwide and taught at the university level, I can confidently say that GFPS graduates are just as competitive as students across the nation.
3. If elected, what are the top three priorities you would focus on as a GFPS Trustee? How will these priorities support students, teachers and families?
First, we must address the long-term budget shortfall to minimize impacts on student learning and better support teachers, who have long felt underappreciated. This calls for a data-driven approach. From 2007–2024, the GFPS general fund grew at an average annual rate of 1.7%. However, instruction and student support budgets within the general fund grew by only 0.4% and 1.0%, respectively. In contrast, administrative district, extracurricular, and business budgets grew by 3.6%, 9.4%, and 9.5%, respectively—resulting in approximately $3 million in allocations above
the 1.7% baseline.
Second, since at least 2017, we’ve seen declining test scores in our elementary schools. Recent data shows that only 1 in 10 students are proficient in math or reading. While some effects from the pandemic linger, this trend is not mirrored in our high schools or in other elementary schools across Montana—making it a uniquely local issue.
Third, these challenges cannot be solved without broader community involvement. We must strengthen collaboration between families and the school district to provide accountability and support for our educators. The combined pressures of educational deficits and budget shortfalls demand a united effort to meet students’ needs.
4. What aspect of public school funding do you think is the most in need of change? As a Trustee, how would you advocate for that change?
The current school funding formula needs to be updated to reflect dynamic financial pressures— such as inflation—while also protecting local property owners from undue burden. Trustees play a key role in advocating for these changes during legislative sessions. Trustees and legislators share the same constituents and should work together to ensure we are acting in the best interests of our community, students, and taxpayers.
5. What do you want the community to know about you – your experience, values, and why you are running to serve Great Falls students and educators?
I am passionate about education and its ability to address many of today’s challenges. As an educator, scientist, and GFPS graduate, I approach policymaking with curiosity and a commitment to inquiry. I believe in listening to constituents and ensuring their voices are reflected in board decisions. While the board may have seven members, the most important voices are those of the community—and I will always ensure Great Falls has my ear.
Paige Turoski
What is your experience with and connection to Great Falls Public Schools? How has this shaped your perspective on education in our community?
I am a GFPS parent, a current board member, and I work in one of the elementary schools as behavioral support through Aware. I’ve learned a lot in my time on the board and continue to do so. I am very invested in education in our community, especially as a parent. I value what our district, teachers, and staff do for our students. Through my job I work with teachers and staff daily to help the students on our case load. It amazes me how hard our teachers and staff work to meet the needs of each student.
2. What do you currently see as the most challenging issue facing Great Falls Public Schools? What successes do you see in the programs and teaching delivered through Great Falls Public Schools?
One of the biggest challenges facing the district is a growing lack of parental involvement and accountability. It is hard to encourage a child to value their education if that is not backed up at home. The same goes for attendance as well and behavior as well.
I see many successes in the district, this can be seen in all the many programs offered to students. The district has a growing CTE program to support students whose path is not college but into trades and the workforce. My former high school had nowhere near the number of programs offered to students like GFPS does. It was happily surprising to learn. I’m glad my sons have these wonderful opportunities waiting for them once they get into high school.
3. If elected, what are the top three priorities you would focus on as a GFPS Trustee? How will these priorities support students, teachers and families?
If elected, my top three priorities would be increasing student scores, continued fiscal responsibility, and recruitment and retention. These are all things that the district is currently working on, and I fully support. Increased student scores mean that the students are proficient in what they are supposed to be learning. Continued fiscal responsibility benefits all as it ensures programs remain available for students and we can work on competitive teacher salaries. Recruitment and retention benefit all because it provides high quality educators for our students as well as ensuring the district is not short staffed and others do not have to take on extra work.
4. What aspect of public school funding do you think is the most in need of change? As a Trustee, how would you advocate for that change?
Our district has done a good job of being very fiscally responsible, using ESSER funding very conservativly, allowing the district to cover any deficits. With the economy being what it is, the district has felt that in many ways, including in costs of running the school facilities, food, and other expenses. I think something that would help with funding would be a different way of adjusting for inflation. As a trustee, I would advocate for that change by talking with legislators and encouraging them to support bills that support an increase in funding for the schools. I would also encourage the public to do the same.
5. What do you want the community to know about you – your experience, values, and why you are running to serve Great Falls students and educators?
In my last three years on the board, I have served on both the Budget and Policy Committees, which I have enjoyed. They have been very interesting and educational. I value honesty and integrity. It’s been an honor to serve the people of Great Falls these past three years, and I would be honored to do so again. If anyone has any questions for me, they can email or call me anytime. I love hearing from people, regardless of what it’s about. Thank you.
Let’s Shape the Future—Together
At Kids Education Yes, we believe in public schools that reflect who we are: hardworking, community-centered, and focused on what matters most—our kids. Because the future starts at school and the school board starts with you.
Kids Education Yes is a nonpartisan, community-based initiative committed to supporting strong public schools in Great Falls. Learn more at www.kidseducationyes.com.
