Voters ‘vote twice’ to renew, increase technology levy
News | Published on November 13, 2023 at 12:06pm CST
Voters show strong support; about 70% vote ‘yes’ on both MAS questions
By Tim Douglass
tdouglass@pctribune.com
Minnewaska Area School District voters strongly supported both renewing and increasing the technology levy that was on the ballot November 7.
The first question, which asked voters to renew the tech levy that was first passed in 2014, passed easily with 77.48 percent voting “yes.” The unofficial totals were 1,008 yes votes to 293 no votes.
In the second question, which asked school district voters to “increase” the technology levy also passed easily with 69.40 percent voting “yes.” The unofficial voting on that question revealed 905 voting yes and 399 voting no.
As the dedicated source of funding for MAS technology solutions for the next decade, the tech levy represented a critical investment for MAS students and staff, according to the School District. With voters renewing the tech levy, it means the school district will continue to provide MAS with $350,000 annually over the next 10 years. Because voters voted to renew and increase the levy, the voters approved providing the renewal amount plus an additional $500,000 annually over the next 10 years. This level of funding would enable the district to purchase, upgrade and support a wide range of technology over the next decade/
“On behalf of the students, teachers, and staff at MAS, thank you for your support in passing the recent tech levy initiative, Minnewaska Area School Superintendent Chip Rankin stated in a message the day after the vote. “The overwhelming support demonstrated by our community ensures that MAS students will continue to have access to the necessary tools for success in an increasingly digital world over the next 10 years,” Rankin said.
“With the funds from the tech levy, MAS students will benefit from updated technology in classrooms, new career-readiness initiatives in areas like manufacturing and agriculture, and so many more valuable opportunities to connect, learn, grow, and prepare for the future than ever before,” Rankin added.
With the additional funding MAS students will benefit from a wide variety of upgraded and new technology over the next 10 years. Some examples include student subscriptions to learning and curriculum platforms, devices for at-home and remote learning, 3D pens, precision manufacturing tools, STEAM learning resources, precision agriculture and drone technology, and more, according to the school district.
“In today’s world, technology is an integral part of education,” said Rankin. “The tech levy ensures that children will have access to the necessary tools without families having to bear the full financial burden.
The 2014 tech levy that was just renewed made a significant impact on MAS, supporting the expansion and update of student computing devices, the implementation of smart TV systems in classrooms, the upgrade of the point-of-sale system for Food & Nutrition Services, the modernization of instructional presentation systems.
