Tech Levy

Technology Levy

  • The Technology Levy is our primary source for providing the technological resources that directly contribute to the success of students and instructional programs in the district. Like other WA State school districts, BISD receives no dedicated state funding for technology hardware, software or services/support. Like electricity and water, Internet access to online educational services is a critical resource for daily education and operational functions.

    The current Technology Levy provides $2.5 million of annual funding to support the following items:

    • All student (1:1 ratio in grades 3-12)  computer devices, including centralized device security and management software 
    • Classroom technologies like teachers’ laptops, interactive flat panel displays, voice amplification, etc.
    • Data Services for Students (ex:  Skyward/Family Access and Assessments) 
    • Library technologies (check-in/check-out software and kiosks, e-books) 
    • Education Technology (video capturing/editing, audio commentary)
    • Technology Professional Development Day 
    • One Instructional Technology & Assessment position
    • Operational technology (VOIP phone systems, networking, printers, data backup, etc.)
    • Cyber-security and cyber-Safety services
    • Software and online Services for productivity & communication (ex: Microsoft, Google, ParentSquare, bus route transportation service, etc.)

    In the February 2024 Technology Levy, BISD is seeking additional technology funds (+ $1.5 million)  for the following reasons:

    • 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 inflation in the technology sector

Q&A

  • What does the Technology Levy support?

    Posted by:

    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 for 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

    Comments (-1)
  • What amount are you requesting?

    Posted by:

    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.)  

    Comments (-1)
  • What are the proposed tax rates for the Technology Levy?

    Posted by:

    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.

    Comments (-1)
  • What is the ballot language for the Technology Levy?

    Posted by:

    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

    Comments (-1)
  • What would happen if the Technology Levy isn’t approved?

    Posted by:

    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.

    Comments (-1)