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Our Schools. Our Future. Vote YES on February 13, 2024

Renewal Technology Levy FAQ's

What does the Technology Levy Support?

Technology and the Tech Levy impact 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 of school libraries (check-in/check-out software and kiosks, e-books) 
    – Provides assistive technologies to help students with special accommodations

    The Tech Levy also helps BISD’s productivity, communication & infrastructure such as:
    – Software & services for productivity & communication  (Microsoft, Google, ParentSquare, bus route transportation service, 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

What amount are you requesting?

Up until 2021, the Tech Levy capacity was flat at $2.2 million per year since 2014. In 2021, BISD requested  an increase of $300,000 per year (for a total of $2.5 million annually) 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

In 2024, we are requesting an increase of $1.5 million (for a total of $4 million annually) to pay for the items listed above plus, in order to maximize the use of General Funds for core teaching and learning needs – 

    • Transfer remaining technology-related staff payroll (Building Technology Support and Student Data Services) to the Technology Levy
    • Transfer digital curriculum subscription licensing to the Technology Levy
  • – Cover increasing costs in cyber-security and safety 
  • – Keep pace with ongoing inflation in the technology sector

This higher request will minimally increase the tax rate. (Read more on this below.)  

What are the proposed tax rates for the Technology Levy?

2025: $0.29 per $1,000 assessed value
2026: $0.28 per $1,000 assessed value
2027: $0.27 per $1,000 assessed value
2028: $0.26 per $1,000 assessed value 
For reference, in 2023, the Tech Levy amount was $0.26 per $1,000 assessed value. 

What is the ballot language for the Technology Levy?

PROPOSITION NO. 2
BAINBRIDGE ISLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 303
RENEWAL TECHNOLOGY LEVY

The Board of Directors of Bainbridge Island School District No. 303 approved Resolution No. 03-23-24, 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. 03-23-24: 

Collection Years               Approx. Levy Rate per $1,000 AV               Levy Amount
2025                                                       $0.29                                                              $4,000,000
2026                                                       $0.28                                                              $4,000,000
2027                                                       $0.27                                                              $4,000,000
2028                                                       $0.26                                                              $4,000,000

What would happen if the Technology Levy isn't approved?

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.

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