Levy: Another $48 Million for Technology?

District Levy Proposal-$48 Million over 4 years

TECH LEVY — $48 Million

• Capital Improvements: Smaller building and site improvements, including paint, lighting, parking lots, fencing and flooring, playground surfaces and accessibility upgrades.
• Cybersecurity and Data Protection: Cybersecurity protections, monitoring and systems that help protect student, staff and financial information.
• Internet and Infrastructure: Reliable internet, wireless networks and technology infrastructure that support teaching and learning.
• Technology Services and Support: Technical support staff, maintenance and replacement of aging technology, software licensing and system upgrades.
• Technology for Student Learning: Student and staff devices, classroom technology and instructional software.
• Communication and School Operations: Technology systems used for family communication, transportation, safety, student services and daily school operations.

Levy Concerns

• Stagnant Reading & Math Scores Despite Millions Already Spent on Technology: Highline has spent millions on educational technology, including a $32.5 Million levy in 2020, yet reading and math proficiency has not meaningfully improved. Before taxpayers approve another $48 million, the district must show what all that technology has actually accomplished.
• Over-Reliance on Unproven Software Over Teachers: Pushing automated instructional platforms like i-Ready reduces direct, teacher-led instruction. Highline students need explicit, evidence-based foundational teaching, not more time interacting with adaptive computer algorithms.
• 1:1 Device Saturation for Early Learners: Handing internet-connected tablets and Chromebooks to Kindergartners and elementary students introduces unnecessary classroom distractions and screen dependency during the most critical developmental years.
• Ignoring the Global Shift Toward Low-Tech Classrooms: While leading school systems, top private schools, and major urban districts are scaling back classroom screens to protect student focus, Highline is seeking $48 million to maintain an outdated, screen-heavy model.
• Compromised Student Data Privacy: Third-party software applications track, collect, and process student learning data. Increasing software contracts without strict public privacy guardrails exposes students to corporate data surveillance and targeted algorithms.
• Masking General Building Maintenance as "Tech": Packaging routine facility upkeep (such as painting, flooring, and paving) into a "technology" levy misleads voters about where their tax dollars are going and duplicates general maintenance funds requested in the bond.
• Erosion of Public & Board Oversight: Under recently updated Policy 6101, approving this broad levy gives administrators upfront authorization to execute major contracts up to $1,000,000 without requiring individual public School Board votes.