District overview
North Star High School District
Funding structure, how it compares to peers, and where major projects stand.
Two districts, one board, and a debate over the future
North Star Public Schools (District 99M) serves Rudyard, Hingham, Gildford and Kremlin in Hill County. Under Montana law, the elementary district and the high school district are separate, each with its own budget and levy, but one five-member Board of Trustees runs both. The elementary school is in Gildford and the junior high and high school are in Rudyard. Superintendent James Russell and District Clerk Sarah Russell carry out the board's decisions.
Shrinking enrollment
In April 2026 the board began strategic planning over falling enrollment and sports turnout, and asked what each student and each school costs.
Combining schools on the table
In September 2026 trustees discussed combining the schools into one building. No vote has been taken.
Separate budgets
The board adopts separate elementary and high school budgets. It chose not to seek an elementary levy in 2026, and the high school had no levy option.
Building upkeep
Recent work includes HVAC in both schools, a new Rudyard roof and remodeled teacher housing.
Planning is at an early stage. The board has held a community meeting and taken public comment, and nothing has been decided about consolidation.
Where the district stands
Context: NCES figure for the high school district only. The elementary district is counted separately.
Major projects
Rudyard roof, HVAC completion and teacher housing remodel
in progressNew roof on the Rudyard school, interior remodel of three Rudyard teacher houses, and finishing HVAC work in Rudyard and Gildford.
- Roof and teacher housing bids accepted
- Rudyard HVAC bid wording under legal review
- HVAC completion contract approved
Funding
Not stated in minutes; building reserve and major maintenance non-voted levies were approved in March 2026
District strategic plan
under discussionA plan for the district's future that weighs enrollment, cost per school and whether to combine buildings.
- Strategic planning begins
- Community meeting
- Work session on combining schools
Funding
Not applicable
Recent news
Board agendas, minutes and notices linked from the district's Google Site and stored on Google Drive, from November 2025 to October 2026.
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