Key Takeaways
- The Stevensville School District is seeking voter approval to renew a technology levy that originally passed in 2016 for $75,000.
- The levy funds in‑class computers, school security systems, and other instructional technology that have become outdated since ESSER‑funded updates six years ago.
- Superintendent Jon Konen emphasizes that technology is used to enhance—not replace—teaching and to prepare students for careers beyond school.
- If approved, owners of a $300,000 home would see an estimated increase of $1.48 per month in the elementary district, $1.09 per month in the high‑school district, or about $2.57 per month if they reside in both districts.
- Without the levy, the district warns it may need to cut programs or teaching positions to balance the budget, as over 85 % of typical district expenditures are personnel‑related.
- The upcoming middle‑school bond will drop off the tax roll this fall, making the levy renewal a key factor in maintaining fiscal stability while addressing rising technology costs.
Introduction and Historical Context
Stevensville, a small community in Montana, last presented a technology levy to voters in 2016. At that time, residents approved a $75,000 levy designed to support both the elementary and high‑school districts. The funding covered essential classroom devices, network infrastructure, and basic security measures. Since that approval, the levy has expired, leaving the district without a dedicated revenue stream for technology maintenance and upgrades. As a result, many of the devices and systems purchased with the original levy have aged, prompting the district to consider a renewal request for the upcoming election cycle.
Purpose of the Renewed Levy
District officials explain that the renewed levy would continue to fund the same categories of technology that proved vital after the 2016 vote. Primary expenditures include updating in‑class computers, maintaining secure entry systems, surveillance cameras, and other safety technologies that protect students and staff. Additionally, the levy would support instructional software licenses, digital learning platforms, and the periodic replacement of hardware that has reached the end of its useful life. By earmarking funds specifically for technology, the district aims to shield its general operating budget from unpredictable repair and replacement costs.
Superintendent Jon Konen’s Perspective
Superintendent Jon Konen stresses that the district’s philosophy is to use technology as a tool that enhances, rather than supplants, effective teaching. He argues that modernizing classroom equipment enables teachers to integrate digital resources, foster student collaboration, and better prepare learners for the technological demands of higher education and the workforce. Konen also notes that the levy helps maintain a safe learning environment; investments in security features such as controlled access points and real‑time monitoring contribute to a sense of safety for families in the Stevensville area.
School Board Chair Ben Meyer’s Remarks
School Board Chair Ben Meyer echoes the superintendent’s sentiment, highlighting that the levy is a pragmatic way to sustain the district’s infrastructure without jeopardizing core educational services. Meyer points out that a significant portion of most school districts’ budgets—over 85 %—is allocated to employee benefits and salaries. By securing a dedicated technology levy, the district can avoid diverting funds from personnel costs to cover unexpected tech repairs, thereby preserving teaching positions and program offerings.
Financial Impact on Taxpayers
The district has provided a clear estimate of the levy’s financial effect on local property owners. For a home valued at $300,000, the projected monthly increase would be approximately $1.48 if the property lies within the elementary district boundaries, $1.09 per month for those in the high‑school district, and roughly $2.57 per month for owners who reside in both districts. These figures translate to an annual cost of less than $31 for the elementary district, $23 for the high‑school district, and $31 for combined district residents. The district emphasizes that the increase is modest relative to the benefits of updated technology and enhanced school safety.
Consequences of Failing to Renew
Officials warn that should the levy not be renewed, the district would face difficult budgetary decisions. Without a dedicated technology fund, the district might need to draw from its general operating budget to cover essential tech maintenance, potentially leading to cuts in extracurricular programs, reduced instructional resources, or even staff reductions. Konen specifically mentions that personnel costs constitute the largest share of district expenses, making them the last area the board wishes to compromise. The levy, therefore, serves as a protective measure to avoid jeopardizing teaching positions and student programs.
Use of ESSER Funds and Technological Obsolescence
The district previously used Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds to make technology upgrades approximately six years ago. While those funds provided a temporary boost, the rapid pace of technological change means that many of those devices and systems are now outdated. Security cameras, access‑control hardware, and classroom computers purchased with ESSER money have reached or exceeded their expected lifespans, necessitating replacement. The renewed levy would address this gap, ensuring that the district does not fall behind in providing modern learning tools or maintaining a secure campus.
Interaction with the Upcoming Middle‑School Bond
An additional fiscal consideration is the forthcoming removal of the middle‑school bond from the tax roll this fall. As that bond expires, the overall tax burden on residents will shift, creating an opportunity to reallocate funding priorities. The technology levy renewal is positioned to fill the fiscal space left by the departing bond, helping to maintain a stable revenue stream for essential district needs without causing a drastic spike in property taxes.
Community Engagement and Information Access
To keep residents informed, the district has made detailed information about the proposed levy, its projected costs, and its intended uses available online. Residents are encouraged to review the material, attend public meetings, and reach out to district officials with questions. The district’s transparency efforts aim to foster an informed electorate that can weigh the modest tax increase against the tangible benefits of updated classroom technology and enhanced school safety.
Conclusion
Stevensville’s push to renew its technology levy reflects a broader trend among rural school districts seeking to balance limited budgets with the growing demand for digital learning tools and secure facilities. By presenting a clear financial impact, outlining the specific uses of the funds, and emphasizing the levy’s role in protecting teaching positions, the district hopes to convince voters that the modest monthly increase is a worthwhile investment in the community’s educational future. If approved, the levy will sustain the technological infrastructure that supports both academic achievement and student safety for the next several years.