The second ballot question requests an increase in the district’s capital project levy for technology, commonly called a technology levy. This pays for classroom learning technology, infrastructure systems and needed support staff. If approved by voters, it would provide an additional $2.3 million annually for the district to additionally prioritize school safety and security technology, tools and systems for all scholars and digital learning spaces throughout schools. Let's take a closer look at these:
- School safety and security is always our top priority. The focus here is on the technology that helps to ensure a safe and secure school environment, including cameras, door lock systems and visitor management tools as well as an emergency response system that our district can collaborate with law enforcement partners on. It also includes needed safety and security technology for the online world, including cybersecurity assessments and systems. Much of the technology that is currently being used for all these safety and security purposes is outdated, unreliable or simply not available or structured to the level of needed use.
- Tools and systems for all scholars ensures that all learners have the same digital technology and software – across grade levels and discipline areas – to be successful in their learning. Some examples include an internet system that enables scholars and staff to more quickly get online and remain connected, systems for scholars and staff to wirelessly mirror digital devices for the classroom to see and unique learning software available to all classes discussing that specific topic.
- Digital learning spaces at schools are flexible areas where teachers and scholars are able to adapt the environment to learning needs. Desks and furniture are movable, and technology tools and connections are readily accessible. These adjustments can be made for both smaller groups within a class or classroom-wide groups. Scholars have a more enriched, collaborative learning experience as a result.
The current voter-approved operating levy is about 3% of this district’s budget or $8 million a year. The increase being presented to voters will mitigate budget cuts anticipated to begin the 2023-24 school year as some of these priorities have been funded with one-time dollars that are expiring.
The impact on the average homeowner ($250,000 value home) would be about $2/month. Voters will see the question presented on their ballot in the following way:
School District Question 2
Revoking Existing Technology Capital Project Levy Authorization; Approving New Authorization
The board of Independent School District No. 279 (Osseo Area Schools), Minnesota has proposed to revoke the School District’s existing capital project levy authorization in the amount of 3.701% times the net tax capacity of the School District, scheduled to expire after taxes payable in 2023, and to replace that authorization with a new capital project levy authorization in the amount of 4.701% times the net tax capacity of the School District to provide funds for the acquisition and installation of improved instructional technology, safety and security technology, systems for the technology infrastructure, and technology support staffing. The proposed capital project levy authorization will raise approximately $11,192,923 for taxes first levied in 2022, payable in 2023, and would be authorized for ten (10) years. The estimated total cost of the projects to be funded over that time period is approximately $111,929,230.
Shall the revocation of the existing capital project levy authorization and the new authorization proposed to fund technology proposed by the board of Independent School District No. 279 (Osseo Area Schools), Minnesota be approved?
PASSAGE OF THIS REFERENDUM WILL RESULT IN AN INCREASE IN YOUR PROPERTY TAXES
