Critical Learning. Helena Public Schools hasn’t updated our technology levy since 2004. In the last 20 years, technology has become vital for education and workplace function. It is everywhere. This is an investment in the future of our community: Students need technology skills to be ready for careers and college.

This year’s proposed $3 million tech levy will cost the average Helena homeowner an additional $8 a month. This is also not a perpetual levy, it is limited to 10 years. The district’s existing $1 million-a-year tech levy would roll into the new levy if it is passed, resulting in a 10-year levy providing a total of $4 million in Technology Funding annually. Our current levy “keeps the lights on,” but doesn’t allow us to replace ANY devices or to update our network. If something breaks, we are out of luck!

This year’s levy request is for critical technology funding only. It pays for classroom devices for students and teachers, network services and licensing. Students and teachers rely on this technology to access curriculum, most of which is now online.

If the levy does not pass, we will be forced to make additional cuts to educational programs to sustain the basic technology we need to operate – things like Internet service, phones, security systems and classroom technology.