Introduction

Montana HB 252, the "Student and Teacher Advancement for Results and Success Act (STARS)," aims to enhance educational outcomes by providing targeted support for students and teachers. This bill was sponsored by representative Llew Jones to enhance school the funding formula through incentives and a housing cost budget increases.

This page will be updated as further implementation measures are necessary.

Teacher Incentive Application

Districts must complete an application for the Teacher Incentive funding to demonstrate their commitment to meet the legislative goals for fiscal year 2026:

Teacher base pay at least 11 times the QEC amount for the application year and teacher base pay that is at least 62% of the average teacher pay in fiscal year 2025.

Applications are now located in the MAEFAIRS system under Data Entry – Teacher Incentive.

An application for each LE will need to be submitted. This means an application for both an Elementary and High School will need to be submitted. A K-12 will submit one application.

The application needs to be completed on or before May 15th, 2025.

STARS Act Guidance
Teacher Incentive Guidance

General Fund Budget Spreadsheet

Recorded Training

Contacts

Legislative Liaison

Katie Bloodgood (406)-444-2082

 
School Finance

Laci Novark (406)-444-4401

Autumn Warren (406)-444-9852

Alivia Skeslien-Jenkins (406)-444-1964

Cori Opie (406)-444-3533

opischoolfinance@mt.gov