Missoula, MT – Montana’s new Innovative Educational Tax Credit program is already drawing significant interest, with donations pouring in as the program officially began accepting contributions on January 15. The program, created by the passage of House Bill 408, offers a dollar-for-dollar match for donations made to public school systems, with individuals and corporations eligible to donate up to $200,000 annually.
Billings Public Schools (BPS) is among the districts already benefiting from the program. Superintendent Erwin Garcia expressed his appreciation for the generous support, noting that last year’s donations—totaling $5 million across the state—serve as a testament to Montanans’ commitment to education. The funds are intended for specific educational initiatives, including transformational learning opportunities, programs for students with disabilities, work-based learning partnerships, and technology improvements to enhance student experiences.
“This is about giving our students the best chance at success,” Garcia said. “We want to be the best district in the state of Montana, and we’re grateful for the support we’ve already received.”
As of January 13, BPS had already collected approximately $200,000 in donations since the beginning of the year. Last year’s $5 million cap was met within just 48 hours, prompting an increase in the available funding for 2025, which has risen to $6 million statewide.
Former special education teacher Jeanetta Jarratt and her husband, Alan, were among the first to contribute, donating $1,000 to the program. Jarratt emphasized the importance of supporting public education, especially when budgets often fall short of meeting all the needs in the classroom.
“We want to help where we can,” she said. “Public education needs all the support it can get, and this program gives us a way to make a direct impact.”
The tax credit funds are earmarked for initiatives that support a range of educational goals. These include enhancing career and college readiness programs, expanding learning opportunities for students with disabilities, and investing in technology that helps improve both access and engagement in learning.
For students like Bradley Brackney, a sophomore at Washington Innovation Center (WIC), the program has already proven valuable. Brackney, who is involved in running the school’s media teams, credits his early interest in technology—fueled by a love of video games—with steering him toward a future career in the field. He expressed appreciation for the opportunities that the tax credit-funded programs have provided.
“Even if you don’t believe in yourself, you still have a chance to graduate and succeed,” Brackney said. “There are people who care and want to help you get there.”
With donations continuing to pour in, the program is poised to make a significant impact across Montana, ensuring that students statewide have access to the resources and opportunities needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive world.
