In addition to a robust race that will fill four seats on the Hastings ISD #200 School Board on Oct. 7, voters will also vote on a plan that will provide the district with additional capital dollars for technology upgrades.

The technology levy would generate $2 million annually for 10 years. The district surveyed voters in the spring and a majority said they would support the new spending for technology needs.

According to the district, 64 percent of the levy dollars would be used for “student and staff learning devices and reliable access.”

“The levy would fund student devices, interactive classroom displays, classroom audio amplification, staff devices, digital classroom software, learning management systems, building level instructional technology support and infrastructure for reliable access,” according to the district.

With school security and cybersecurity being so important, 36 percent of the levy funds annually would be used to help in that area.

“Facility and online security are of utmost importance in today’s school environment,” district materials explaining the need for the levy state. “The tech levy would fund secured electronic door systems, facility and grounds surveillance, two-way radio communications systems, cyber security and student data privacy, annual insurance requirements and district-wide security software.”

The district says the levy will also help provide resources for the mental and emotional needs of students, as well as helping provide support for struggling students.

The district plans presentations for the public on the technology levy Tuesday, Oct. 10 at 6:30 p.m. at Kennedy Elementary School and Oct. 23 in the Hastings Middle School Media Center.

Superintendent Dr. Tamara Champa also told the school board at its meeting Wednesday, Sept. 27 that she’s eager to meet with any Hastings organization looking to educate its members on the measure.

“We just wanted to offer anyone who has any group that they’d like a presentation, I’d be happy to do that,” she said.

Another key aspect of the levy is it allows the district to move technology spending from its general budget.

“Currently, all technology expenses come from the general fund that pays teacher salaries and funds educational programs. This proposal would allow resources to be reallocated to other core functions based on student needs and aligned with our strategic plan,” according to the district plan. “By investing our tax dollars in the proposed technology levy, we are not only making a commitment to our students’ technology experience today but also ensuring they are equipped to face the rapidly changing demands of the future. In addition, this would allow the ability to elevate the protection of our students, families, and staff sensitive, protected and confidential data.”

The district was forced to make $3.5 million in budget reductions in recent years with declining enrollment, unfunded state mandates and years of per pupil state aid lagging well behind inflation.