Friday Update from Superintendent Weltz | December 6, 2024
In today’s newsletter:
- Tax credits: A zero-cost opportunity to make a big difference!
- Kindergarten Registration opens Wednesday, January 8
- Capital High’s Charlie Snellman selected to United States Senate Youth Program
- District’s first-ever bison hunt is once-in-a-lifetime experience
Dear Families and Staff,
’Tis the season of giving. In addition to holiday shopping lists, many are considering year-end donations to favorite causes and community organizations. What if you could give to Helena Public Schools, and it wouldn’t cost you a dime? Thanks to Montana’s Innovative Educational Program (IEP) Tax Credit, you can do just that.
Created by the 2021 Montana Legislature, the program gives Montanans the opportunity to make a cash donation to their local public school district and receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit.
This enables tax dollars that would otherwise go into state coffers to stay in our community, where they directly support Helena students. School districts can spend the donations in a variety of ways including:
- Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs
- Work-based learning partnerships
- Adaptive equipment for students with disabilities
- Classroom technology
- Facility improvements
Our district has significant needs in each of these areas and this year the opportunity to give is bigger than ever. The statewide cap for (IEP) tax credits was raised to $6 million for 2025. Each individual or business donor may claim a tax credit of up to $200,000.
Last year, Helenans generously donated $22,000 through the program. But we were far outpaced by the communities of Great Falls ($1 million), Kalispell ($732,750), Big Sky ($574,000) and Bozeman ($226,000).
We need your help to steer our fair share of available tax credit dollars to our schools here in Helena.
Time is of the essence. The $6 million in available tax credits will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis when the IEP giving portal, operated by the Montana Department of Revenue, opens at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, January 15.
If you’re in a position to give as a business or individual, now is the time to talk with your accountant and visit the Department of Revenue portal. Having your application materials ready improves your chances of your donation being accepted when the portal opens next month. Our district business office is available to assist you with the process.
Other communities have seized on this opportunity to support their schools. Let’s take advantage of this win-win opportunity for Helena students and Helena taxpayers!
Respectfully,
Rex M. Weltz, Superintendent
Helena Public Schools
Innovative Education Tax Credit Resources
For assistance, please contact Helena Public Schools Business Services Administrator Janelle Mickelson at 406-324-2040.
Department of Revenue IEP Tax Credits Guide
Department of Revenue Education Donation Portal
2024 Montana IEP Tax Credit Donations by District
Helena Public Schools Guide to IEP Tax Credit Donations
District News & Events
Registration for Fall 2025 Kindergarten starts at noon on Wednesday, January 8.
News Highlights
Students from the Project for Alternative Learning (PAL) Charter School recently teamed up with clients at WestMont to create festive holiday table centerpieces. Students learned about WestMont’s services for individuals with disabilities, including providing fulfilling work and support. The experience also highlighted potential career paths in community service and disability advocacy.
Student & Educator Recognitions
Congratulations to Capital High Senior Charlie Snellman, who is among only 104 students selected nationwide to participate in the United States Senate Youth Program. Charlie will fly to Washington, D.C., later this school year to participate in the intensive, week-long program for students who are interested in careers in public service. The student delegates will hear major policy addresses by senators, cabinet members, officials from the Departments of State and Defense and directors of other federal agencies. Delegates also usually participate in meetings with the president and a justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. In addition, each delegate will be awarded a $10,000 college scholarship for undergraduate studies, with encouragement to pursue coursework in history and political science. All transportation, hotel and meal expenses will be provided by the scholarship sponsor, The Hearst Foundations.
Charlie has already begun his public service career through numerous community activities, including serving as Capital High School’s Student Representative to the Helena Public Schools Board of Trustees. Congratulations, Charlie!
