2022 Technology Levy

On February 8th, 2022, Fife School District residents will have the opportunity to vote on an Instructional Technology Capital Levy (called "Proposition No. 2 - Replacement Capital Projects Technology Levy" on the ballot). This is an important vote for students and teachers. Access to technological tools and learning resources is critical for today’s students’ success.

Here are some frequently asked questions about this technology levy. Please let us know if you have any additional questions.

What is a Technology Capital Projects Levy?
State funding does not adequately cover the cost of technology. This levy will allow the district to maintain and upgrade instructional technology, supporting systems, and infrastructure such as the network.

Has the Fife School District had technology levies before?
Yes. And this is a reinstatement of our previous technology levy. Over the past 15 years, the Fife School District has run three successful technology levies.

What did we do with the previous technology levy?
• Successfully implemented a student 1:1 program, providing a Chromebook for every student in the district.
• Expanded digital curriculum and communications tools.
• Upgraded network infrastructure to support 1:1 including wifi access points in every classroom.
• Transitioned students and staff to remote learning during the COVID pandemic. 
• Replaced phone system (in coordination with building bond program).
• Added staffing and staff training to support the 1:1 program.

How will this reinstated technology levy help students and teachers?
• Refresh our student 1:1 Chromebooks.
• Refresh our staff computers.
• Upgrade classroom instructional/presentation technology.
• Improvement and maintenance of technology infrastructure, network, software and data systems.
• Continue staffing and staff training to support best use of instructional technology.

How much will be collected?
This levy will collect $14,000,000 total over six years.

How many years?
This is a six year levy. Collection would start in April of 2023.

What is the projected tax rate?
The estimated rate to be collected is $0.34 per $1,000 of assessed property value. For example, a $300,000 home would cost the homeowner $8.50 per month.

How much will the two levies cost?
The replacement Educational Programs & Operations Levy is expected to decrease over the next four years. The replacement Technology Levy is expected to increase. The net change over four years is an increase of $.02 cents per thousand of assessed value.

	Estimated Rates per $1,000 Assessed Valuation
				Current		Projected
				2022		2023	2024	2025	2026
	Proposition 1	Educational Programs & Operations Levy		1.83		1.81	1.77	1.74	1.74
	Proposition 2	Technology Levy		0.23		0.34	0.34	0.34	0.34
		Total		2.06		2.15	2.11	2.08	2.08

 

How does the rate per $1,000 compare to other disticts?
Fife School District rates have historically been one of the lowest in Pierce County.