Tech Levy
Highline's technology levy would provide local funding for the technology students, staff and schools use every day. Highline voters approved a two-year technology levy in 2020. The 2026 technology levy resumes that funding. Because state funding does not fully cover school technology costs, the levy will fund basic internet, cybersecurity, infrastructure, staff professional development, devices and technical support systems.
The Highline Technology Levy would fund secure technology that keeps schools running.
- Cybersecurity protections and monitoring
- Student, staff and financial data security
- School communication and information systems
- Technology that supports transportation, safety and daily school operations
The Highline Technology Levy would fund technology that supports student learning.
- Classroom technology and instructional software
- Reliable internet and wireless networks
- Technology infrastructure that supports teaching and learning
- Student and staff devices
The Highline Technology Levy would fund technology infrastructure.
- Technology services, infrastructure and support staff
- Major repair, preventative maintenance and replacement of aging technology
- Software, licensing and system upgrades
- Technology systems used for communication, cybersecurity and school operations
The Highline Technology Levy would fund professional learning for staff
Training and professional development for staff include:
- Effective use of technology and digital tools in teaching and learning
- Responsible and ethical use of technology
Cost breakdown
The following table shows the anticipated breakdown of the $12 million in technology levy funding proposed for 2027, the first year of the proposed four-year levy.
| Levy Funding Area | Anticipated 2027 Cost |
|---|---|
| Professional learning and training for staff | $1.5 million |
| Technology infrastructure and cybersecurity | $1.7 million |
| Classroom technology | $500,000 |
| Student devices | $2.5 million |
| Teacher devices | $1.0 million |
| Instructional and operational systems | $2.8 million |
| Capital improvements | $2.0 million |
| Total | $12 million |