At a recent board meeting, Superintendent Rex Weltz announced plans to propose a technology-only levy for the upcoming May ballot. This comes in response to the district’s increasing technology demands.
Rex Weltz, Helena Public Schools superintendent
Helena Public Schools previously tried to renew its technology funding from a 2004 levy in 2024, but the vote did not pass. This levy had been crucial, providing around $1 million each year.
The need for more technology is growing. Schools require updated online curriculum, licenses, devices like laptops and tablets for student assignments, interactive whiteboards, IT staff, and cybersecurity protections.
This failure to secure funding means the district cannot replace aging devices. Currently, elementary students share Chromebooks, and middle schoolers can’t take devices home. This lack of resources will affect approximately 2,500 devices that will reach the end of their life cycle next year.
District officials emphasize the goal is not to introduce new technologies but to maintain essential tools like laptops and whiteboards for effective teaching and learning.
The attempt to combine the technology levy with a failed safety and security levy in 2024 turned out to be too much for voters, resulting in a 57% rejection rate. In light of this, they plan to simplify their approach moving forward.
“We know securing funding for technology is important,” Weltz stated. He will present his proposal at the board’s February meeting.
Sonny Tapia is a criminal justice and education reporter for the Helena Independent Record.
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