Technology Levies
The technology levies will help align funding with today’s technology needs:
- Equip teachers and classrooms with innovative technology to engage today’s students.
- Prepare Helena’s youth to succeed in the 21st century job market.
- Enhance security to keep out cyber attackers and protect student, family, and staff privacy.
- Replace and repair student devices on a regular schedule to keep devices reliable and prevent learning disruptions.
Helena looks ahead
Two decades ago, Helena voters recognized that technology was changing–and changing fast. Our community passed a technology levy that continues to provide approximately $1 million a year. Helena Public Schools is grateful for this funding, which enabled the transition from the era of the desktop to today’s world of laptops, WiFi, and smart phones.
However, the technology needed to educate students in today’s classrooms has far out-paced what was required 20 years ago. Today our district spends approximately $2.5 million on technology each year – more than twice the annual levy amount established back in 2004.
Technology funding is urgently needed to enable the district to maintain and replace existing technology and to continue to prepare students for work and life in the 21st century.
Today’s Technology Needs
Device Replacement
- Students: iPads and Chromebooks (5-to 7-year replacement cycle)
- Teachers/Staff: Laptops (5-to 7-year replacement cycle)
- Classroom: Digital projectors, interactive whiteboards, computer labs, cameras, phones (7-to 10-year replacement cycle)
Network & Services
- Internet connectivity
- Software licensing
- Curriculum resources – textbooks have largely been replaced with online curriculum, requiring per-student licensing and IT support
- Cyber insurance
Tech Support
- Applications management
- Daily care and maintenance of the district’s computer network to keep systems running safely and smoothly
- IT support and technology integration training for teachers and students
How much will the Technology Levies cost me as a taxpayer?
Note: The technology levies are divided into two parts – one for K-8 (Elementary Technology Levy) and one for 9-12 (High School Technology Levy)
Elementary Technology Levy: Estimated $13.32 increase annually for a $100,000 home.
High School Technology Levy: Estimated $6.29 increase annually for a $100,000 home.
Total Estimated Annual Increase for the Elementary and High School Technology Levies Combined: $19.61 for a $100,000 home
* Residents of the rural district composed of the Wolf Creek and Trinity Elementary Schools would be assessed the High School Technology Levy only, which is an annual increase of $6.29 for a $100,000 home.
Please note that the levy is based on your home’s value shown on your annual property tax bill, not the amount you could sell your home for today.
To determine the total annual increase of the Elementary and High School Technology Levies combined for your home, multiply the total annual cost per $100,000 of your home’s value. For example:
Annual Increase for a $100,000 home (1 x $19.61): $19.61
Annual Increase for a $300,000 home (3 x 19.61): $58.83
Annual Increase for a $600,000 home (6 x $19.61): $117.66