On November 12, 2020, the BISD board of directors passed Resolution 04-20-21 Renewal Technology Levy requesting voter approval of continued enrichment funding for the years 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Why does BISD need to renew the Technology Levy?

This renewal levy replaces the expiring levy, which voters approved in 2017. BISD’s technology funding is primarily provided by the Bainbridge Island community. Like other WA state school districts, BISD receives no dedicated state funding for technology hardware, software, or services/support.

Student access to technology is imperative. Future employers and higher-ed institutions expect students to have technology skills and experience. Technology expertise is no longer reserved for engineers or scientists–technology skills are important to compete in today’s job market in almost every field.

When the pandemic caused BISD schools to pivot to online learning, the community-approved Tech Levy saved the day and provided every BISD student with access to laptops or tablets. It also funded teacher training to improve and grow BISD’s online instruction. Our schools would not have made it through this trying time without the existing tech levy funding.

How does technology support our students?

Technology and the Tech Levy impacts almost every aspect of BISD’s Teaching & Learning:

• Provides student devices (1:1 ratio in grades 3-12) and services for device management
• Provides interactive presentation spaces in the classroom (computer, projection/touch flat panel display, voice amplification, etc.)
• Supplies software & services in support for school libraries (Destiny, e-books) and distance learning tools (Screencastify, Kami Pro)
• Provides assistive technologies for students with special needs

Is technology used elsewhere in the district?

The Tech Levy also helps BISD’s productivity, communication & infrastructure such as:

• Software & services for productivity & communication (MS Office, Adobe, Remind, remote Windows access, etc.)
• Internet service, networking systems, and related services for cyber-safety and cyber-security
• Technology for core school operations (computers, printers, phones, etc.)
• Technology Professional Development
• 65% of district technology staff (payroll)

What amount are you requesting?

The Annual Tech Levy capacity has been flat at $2.2 million per year since 2014
BISD is proposing an increase of $300,000 per year (for a total of $2.5 million) to pay for:

• The increasing cost of goods and services
• Staff wage and benefit increases
• Funding of one position to focus on Instructional Technology needs in the district

What is the term for the Technology Levy?

Typically, BISD puts forth four-year levies. However, given uncertainty regarding how the levy funding laws may change in Washington State, BISD decided to run the Technology Levy for a three-year term. This levy will be collected in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

What would happen if the Technology Levy isn’t renewed?

Without the specifically directed funds from a technology levy, BISD would be forced to draw on funds from the General Fund (which pays for teachers, support staff, curriculum, transportation, supplies, etc.) to help cover technology expenses. This would inevitably lead to district-wide cuts.

What is the ballot language for the Technology Levy?

BAINBRIDGE ISLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 303
KITSAP COUNTY, WASHINGTON

PROPOSITION NO. 2
RENEWAL TECHNOLOGY LEVY

The Board of Directors of Bainbridge Island School District No. 303 approved Resolution No. 04-20-21, concerning a replacement technology levy to enhance student learning. This proposition would authorize the District to modernize school facilities by acquiring, installing and improving computer technology, telecommunications, and networking systems, and related equipment and facilities, and levy the following excess taxes, to replace an expiring levy, on all taxable property within the District, as provided in Resolution No. 04-20-21:

Approximate Levy Rate per

Collection Years                    $1,000 of Assessed Value                    Levy Amount

2022                                               $0.26                                        $2,500,000
2023                                                $0.26                                        $2,500,000
2024                                                $0.25                                        $2,500,000

Should this proposition be approved?

YES

NO

For the full text of the Levy Resolution go here.

For more information on the Financial Implications of the Levy, go here.

When do we vote on this?

The Kitsap County Auditor will mail ballots to voters in late January (approximately Jan 22, 2021).  Completed ballots must be either:

1. Dropped at a polling location before 8 pm on February 9, 2021

or;

2. Returned by mail in the postage-paid, supplied envelope postmarked by February 9. Please note that a stamp is NOT required.

What if I’m not registered to vote? 

The deadline to register to vote is 8 days before an election. In this case, February 1, 2021.

For more information on registering to vote in Kitsap County go here.