Politics & Government

Guide to 2013 Richfield Schools Technology Levy

Richfield Public Schools is hoping to renew the existing technology levy with an increase this November. Everything voters need to know is below.

Richfield's existing technology levy will expire at the end of the 2013-2014 school year, and the Richfield School Board is asking voters to renew it, hopefully with an increase, on Election Day this November.

The revenue from the technology levy allows the district to incorporate a broad range of technology so students can achieve the skills necessary for 21st Century. According to the district, past levies have been used to purchase more than 1,600 computers, software and technology infrastructure.

There will be two questions on the ballot:

Question No. 1 asks voters if they wish to renew the existing levy at the same rate. If the renewal is approved it would be in place for the next 10 years. A renewal would not result in an increase in property taxes, but continues the property tax contribution, which is roughly $65 a year for the average home.

Below is the actual language on the ballot:

The Board of Independent School District No. 280 (Richfield) has proposed a capital project levy authorization. This authorization would renew the school district’s existing authorization which is scheduled to expire after taxes payable in 2013. The money raised by this authorization will provide funds for the acquisition and installation of improved technology and technology systems in various school district facilities and the purchase of instructional equipment. The proposed capital project levy authorization will raise approximately $1,344,428 for taxes payable in 2014, the first year it is to be levied, and would be authorized for ten years. The estimated total cost of the projects to be funded over that time period is approximately $13,424,280.  The projects to be funded have received a positive review and comment from the Commissioner of Education.

“YES” or  “NO”


Shall the capital project levy authorization proposed by the Board of ISD No. 280 be approved?


BY VOTING “YES” ON THIS BALLOT QUESTION, YOU ARE VOTING TO EXTEND AN EXISTING CAPITAL PROJECTS REFERENDUM THAT IS SCHEDULED TO EXPIRE.


Question No. 2 asks voters if they would also approve an increase if Question No. 1 is approved. According to the district, if the increase is approved, property taxes would rise by approximately $44 per year on the average home.

Below is the actual language on the ballot:

The proposed capital project levy authorization will raise approximately $915,500 for taxes payable in 2014, the first year it is to be levied, and would be authorized for ten years.  The estimated total cost of the projects to be funded over that time period is approximately $9,155,000.  the projects to be funded have received a positive review and comment from the Commissioner of Education.
If School District Ballot Question 1 is approved, shall the capital project levy authorization proposed by the Board of ISD #280 also be approved? 

“YES” or “NO”

BY VOTING “YES” ON THIS BALLOT QUESTION, YOU ARE VOTING FOR A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE.

If both questions pass, the additional revenue from the increase will be used to purchase and provide:

  • Full wireless access for staff and students;
  • Broader range of devices;
  • Learning with personal technology;
  • Replacement of older, more expensive equipment with devices that meet the same or future needs;
  • Faster, more flexible infrastructure to support diverse mobile technology;
  • Ability to maintain infrastructure and equipment;
  • Ability to implement a replacement cycle, which ensures reliability of tools;
  • Training to focus on 21st Century skills.
For more information on the levy, go to richfield.k12.mn.us/page/2902.

Other 2013 election articles on Richfield Patch:



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