The Northshore School District in Washington state is asking voters in the upcoming Feb. 8 election to approve two new levies and one bond, which would total roughly $700 million of new funding for the district.
The school district, which is comprised of 3,000 staff members and just under 24,000 students throughout 35 different schools, is asking voters to weigh in on renewing an existing technology levy and an educational programs and operations levy, as well as approve a capital projects bond.
If renewed, the technology levy – which was initially approved in 2018 – will maintain the district’s existing investments in technology for students. According to the district, the levy would collect $20 million each year from 2023 to 2026.
According to the district, the technology levy renewal would fund:
- Classroom technology to enable and support innovative learning;
- Computers, software systems, and applications for all students and staff;
- Training and technology support for students, staff, and families; and
- Adaptive technologies providing opportunities for individualized learning and improved accessibility for students
“As we look at our continued growth in our community, we know these measures will help meet the educational needs of each of our students, as well as ensure all students have the technology supports needed for success,” Superintendent Michelle Reid said in October when the district released its plans for the Feb. 8 election.
Logistically speaking, the school district explained that the collections for the technology levy passed in 2018 originally began at 46 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value. Since then, the rate has decreased to 41 cents. The rate is estimated to further drop to 37 cents in the 2022 estimate. If the levy is renewed, the technology levy rate will return to 45 cents, but will drop annually over the next four years.
However, the overall collection stays the same, at $20 million a year, which the school district said is due to growth in the community.
