Custer superintendent to take charge at North Star

Bart Hawkins, the superintendent of Custer Public Schools in southern Montana, will become the superintendent of North Star Schools on July 1.

Hawkins replaces Ken Halverson, who is retiring after five years at the helm.

A native of north-central Montana, Hawkins hails from Fort Benton, while his wife is a native of Chester.

"I'm looking forward to getting to know people in all of the communities and finding out what their goals for the school district are," he said.

He said he was attracted to the district because it is well-respected throughout the state.

He has been Custer superintendent for two years.

School Board Chair Rob Spicher said the board interviewed three finalists for the position Monday, and said it was a difficult decision, but Hawkins stood out.

"We felt any one of the three candidates would have fulfilled the needs and wants of the district, community and board," Spicher said.

"We are very pleased to have Mr. Hawkins and his family become part of the North Star community," he continued.

The North Star District covers Rudyard, Kremlin, Hingham and Gildford.