Brooklyn Park to vote on school technology levy renewal in November
The Brooklyn Park City Council discussed renewing a decade-old technology funding measure on Monday, with community members emphasizing how digital tools have become essential to modern education. Voters will decide the levy's fate on November 5th.
The council held no formal vote during the August 26th meeting, instead using the session to build support for a proposed 10-year technology levy that would replace the current one, set to expire at the end of the school year. The existing levy, approved in 2014, has funded student learning technologies and school safety equipment like cameras and radios.
School administrators stressed that renewing the levy is critical to avoid a $6.6 million funding gap. "It means $6.6 million that currently we are using to help fund technology won't be available," an administrator said during the meeting. They also reassured residents that the renewal would not increase tax rates. "The tax rate will not change," the administrator stated.
Speakers highlighted technology's role in both learning and safety. A teacher testified that digital tools allow her to "meet the needs of individual learners better than ever because of technology." School officials noted the levy would fund not just classroom devices but also security infrastructure to "keep our students and staff as safe as possible."
Community support appears strong. A recent survey found that 70% of respondents identified technology as important for learning. Speakers compared modern educational technology to fundamental classroom supplies, suggesting it is no longer optional but essential.
Residents will cast their votes on or before November 5th. The outcome will determine whether schools can maintain current technology programs or face significant budget cuts.
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Votes (1)
Discussion on Technology Levy Renewal
Speakers underscored the essential role of technology in modern education, likening it to fundamental tools like notebooks and pencils. The impending expiration of the 2014 technology levy prompted a proposal for a new 10-year levy, crucial for maintaining advanced learning tools and enhancing school safety through secure entrances, cameras, and radios. It was explicitly stated that the tax rate would remain unchanged. The financial implications of non-approval, including a $6.6 million funding deficit, were highlighted. Evidence of strong community support for educational technology, derived from a recent survey, was also presented, alongside the benefits for teacher efficiency and overall student success.
Notable Quotes (5)
the tax rate will not change.
our cameras, our radios, and other technologies that will help ensure that we've got the tools to keep our students and staff as safe as possible.
I'm able to meet the needs of individual learners better than ever because of technology.
it means $6.6 million that currently we are using to help fund technology won't be available.
70% of those said that technology is really important for learning.
Ordinances & Resolutions (3)
Approved in 2014, used to ensure students had learning technologies, and is set to expire at the end of the current school year.
Proposed renewal levy to continue supporting students with learning technologies and a safe/secure learning environment. The tax rate will not change.
Funds from this levy were subject to a survey last year, where 70% of respondents identified technology as important for learning.
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