Public Notice
Budget Approval Meeting
August 18, 2026
The Ulm Public School District 85 Board of Trustees will meet for the
purpose of considering and adopting the final budget of the district, the
meeting of the trustees may be continued from day to day until the final
adoption of the district's budget, any taxpayer in the district may appear at the
meeting and be heard for or against any part of the budget. This meeting will
commence on August 18, 2026, at 4:30 pm at Ulm Public Schools
Conference Room located at 6 Ulm Vaughn Road, Ulm, MT 59485.
Budget Approval Meeting
August 18, 2026
The Ulm Public School District 85 Board of Trustees will meet for the
purpose of considering and adopting the final budget of the district, the
meeting of the trustees may be continued from day to day until the final
adoption of the district's budget, any taxpayer in the district may appear at the
meeting and be heard for or against any part of the budget. This meeting will
commence on August 18, 2026, at 4:30 pm at Ulm Public Schools
Conference Room located at 6 Ulm Vaughn Road, Ulm, MT 59485.
School Board:
Schedules and Agendas
Upcoming Meetings:
4:30 PM
7/14/2026- Open Meeting
8/18/2026- Open Meeting
9/15/2026- Open Meeting
2026 School Board Members
Chair:
Nikki Phillips
[email protected]
Nikki Phillips is a registered nurse with over 15 years of experience in nursing serving women, children, and families in communities in Montana, and more than 10 years of leadership experience, ranging from senior leadership to frontline leadership roles. Nikki is passionate about improving access to care, strengthening community partnerships, and supporting programs that help children thrive. Currently, Nikki serves as Manager of a Women’s and Children’s Center in Great Falls, providing a wide range of services supporting maternal, pediatric, and family health. Throughout their career, Nikki has worked directly in women’s health, pediatrics, and specialty pediatric services, bringing a deep understanding of child development, family needs, and whole-person care. Nikki holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Leadership and a Master of Public Administration and Public Policy and a graduate of the government relations program through Americas Essential Hospitals out of Washington D.C. Her background in public policy supports thoughtful, evidence-based decision-making in service to students and families. Nikki is married to her best friend of 16 years, Mike. Mike oversees financials for a team in a 340B company and is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. infantry division. Together they have an 11-year-old son. Nikki is a native Montanan, has lived in Cascade County for 13 years and in the Ulm School District for 6 years. As a school board trustee, Nikki is committed to student safety, well-being, and is proud to serve families, educators, and the broader community with compassion, transparency, and dedication. Nikki also serves as a trustee on the Alliance for Youth Board out.
Vice Chair:
Trustees:
Jennifer Austad
[email protected]
Jennifer Austad is a lifelong Ulm resident, and went to Ulm School as a child. Her children now also attend Ulm. She is dedicated to making Ulm School and her community a better place. She lives in Ulm with her husband, David, and two children. She has been the President of the Bluehawk Booster Club since 2025. Jennifer has 14 years finance experience and plans to bring that knowledge to the Board. As a school board trustee Jenn is committed to building relationships between teachers, staff, and community.
Mary Bain
[email protected]
Mary Bain is a sixth-generation Montanan who has lived all over our beautiful state, and has settled with her two boys just outside of Ulm. Mary may be a relatively newer transplant to our community, but she is eager to dive in and lend her support wherever she is needed. Beginning her second year as a dedicated member of the Bluehawk Booster Club, Mary is incredibly excited to be a part of bringing activities, events, educational opportunities, and so much more to our kids. She is passionate about community involvement, education, and helping our school flourish. As a National Park enthusiast, she spends as much time as she can exploring and visiting America’s protected public lands with her boys. Mary is proud to be an advocate for the children, families, educators, and community members of our district.
Andrew Gould
[email protected]
Will Waldner
[email protected]
Nikki Phillips
[email protected]
Nikki Phillips is a registered nurse with over 15 years of experience in nursing serving women, children, and families in communities in Montana, and more than 10 years of leadership experience, ranging from senior leadership to frontline leadership roles. Nikki is passionate about improving access to care, strengthening community partnerships, and supporting programs that help children thrive. Currently, Nikki serves as Manager of a Women’s and Children’s Center in Great Falls, providing a wide range of services supporting maternal, pediatric, and family health. Throughout their career, Nikki has worked directly in women’s health, pediatrics, and specialty pediatric services, bringing a deep understanding of child development, family needs, and whole-person care. Nikki holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Leadership and a Master of Public Administration and Public Policy and a graduate of the government relations program through Americas Essential Hospitals out of Washington D.C. Her background in public policy supports thoughtful, evidence-based decision-making in service to students and families. Nikki is married to her best friend of 16 years, Mike. Mike oversees financials for a team in a 340B company and is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. infantry division. Together they have an 11-year-old son. Nikki is a native Montanan, has lived in Cascade County for 13 years and in the Ulm School District for 6 years. As a school board trustee, Nikki is committed to student safety, well-being, and is proud to serve families, educators, and the broader community with compassion, transparency, and dedication. Nikki also serves as a trustee on the Alliance for Youth Board out.
Vice Chair:
Trustees:
Jennifer Austad
[email protected]
Jennifer Austad is a lifelong Ulm resident, and went to Ulm School as a child. Her children now also attend Ulm. She is dedicated to making Ulm School and her community a better place. She lives in Ulm with her husband, David, and two children. She has been the President of the Bluehawk Booster Club since 2025. Jennifer has 14 years finance experience and plans to bring that knowledge to the Board. As a school board trustee Jenn is committed to building relationships between teachers, staff, and community.
Mary Bain
[email protected]
Mary Bain is a sixth-generation Montanan who has lived all over our beautiful state, and has settled with her two boys just outside of Ulm. Mary may be a relatively newer transplant to our community, but she is eager to dive in and lend her support wherever she is needed. Beginning her second year as a dedicated member of the Bluehawk Booster Club, Mary is incredibly excited to be a part of bringing activities, events, educational opportunities, and so much more to our kids. She is passionate about community involvement, education, and helping our school flourish. As a National Park enthusiast, she spends as much time as she can exploring and visiting America’s protected public lands with her boys. Mary is proud to be an advocate for the children, families, educators, and community members of our district.
Andrew Gould
[email protected]
Will Waldner
[email protected]
