Sunburst K-12 Schools

How is Sunburst Schools paid for?

Sunburst is a small K-12 district in Toole County with about 118 students in 2025-26 (62 elementary, 16 junior high, 40 high school) and 58 elementary students in fall 2026. Montana's state formula sets most of the general fund, which is about $2.056 million for 2026-27. Voters also approve local levies: in May 2026 they renewed a $50,000-a-year technology levy and a $40,000-a-year building reserve levy, each for five years. Oil and gas royalties, about $200,000 a year, go into a flexibility fund that pays for extras such as activities and free school meals.

Montana's state formula ties most funding to enrollment, and the business manager expects the general fund to shrink over time as enrollment declines; this year's increase came mainly from tuition income and the new county tax equalization. Figures on this page come from board meeting recordings, so exact amounts should be checked against the official budget the district files with the state (OPI).