Operations, Infrastructure, and Licensing Technology Levies
The purpose of increasing the Operations, Infrastructure, and Licensing technology mill levy for both the elementary and the high school districts is to maintain the district’s existing technology infrastructure and secure learning environment. This includes the routine maintenance and scheduled replacement of current devices, renewal of software licenses and cloud-based services used by staff and students, and upkeep of the network and security systems that support daily instruction. The levy is not intended to expand the number of devices in classrooms, but rather to sustain the technology foundation already in place.
This short video demonstrates how much technology is required in a modern classroom, even with zero student screen time:
Helena looks ahead
Helena passed its first and only school technology levy in 2004, three years before the first iPhone was released. The purpose of these levies is to maintain the district’s existing technology infrastructure and secure learning environment. This includes the routine maintenance and scheduled replacement of current devices, renewal of software licenses and cloud-based services used by staff and students, and upkeep of the network and security systems that support daily instruction.
The levies will NOT expand the number of devices in classrooms, but rather to sustain the technology foundation already in place.
Today’s Technology Needs
Network & Services
- Internet connectivity
- Software licensing
- Curriculum Resources – state testing, college applications, and vocational training (like CAD for MT’s trades)
- 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
Device Replacement
- Teachers/Staff: Laptops (5-to 7-year replacement cycle)
- Classroom: Digital projectors, interactive whiteboards, computer labs, cameras, classroom phones (7-to 10-year replacement cycle)
How much will the Operations, Infrastructure, and Licesning Technology Levies cost me as a taxpayer?
Note: There are two operations, infrastructure, and licensing technology levies – one for K-8 (Elementary Technology Levy) and one for 9-12 (High School Technology Levy)
Elementary Technology Levy Estimated:
$8.66 increase annually for a $100,000 home.
$25.97 increase annually for a $300,000 home.
$55.47 increase annually for a $600,000 home.
High School Technology Levy Estimated:
$4.20 increase annually for a $100,000 home.
$12.59 increase annually for a $300,000 home.
$26.89 increase annually for a $600,000 home.
Total Estimated Annual Increase for the Elementary and High School Technology Levies Combined:
$12.86 for a $100,000 home.
$38.56 for a $300,000 home.
$82.36.61 for a $600,000 home.
* Residents of the rural district composed of the Wolf Creek and Trinity Elementary Schools would be assessed the High School Technology Levy only.
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.