Welcome to the second year of Foundations, an e-newsletter focused on keeping our community updated on current and past levy and bond initiatives and how their tax dollars are supporting student learning and achievement, while keeping our school buildings modernized and maintained. Follow along in the spirit of learning every month for a new edition.
Kent School District
Technology Projects Update
In February 2018, voters approved a six-year Technology and Capital Projects Levy providing funds to fill our district's technology and facility needs.
The state provides a minimum amount of funding for technology in schools. At the same time, the need for technology in our school district continues to grow. More and more traditional book-based curricula include digital resources. Educational software programs can supplement learning or give students who need extra help another way to learn.
Student Focus
Devices for Preschool
In 2020, all preschool students received new devices to continue learning during the pandemic-related school closures. Today, preschool students still use these devices in the classroom to support their learning and prepare them for kindergarten.
Devices for Kindergarten , Grades 1-5
In 2021, new devices were provided for kindergarten and grades 1-2 to replace heavier, aging laptops and offer a more appropriately sized keyboard for young learners.
In 2022, previous devices purchased in 2021 for middle schoolers were recirculated to 3-5 grades.
Devices for Grades 6-12
In 2022, students in grades 6-12 received refreshed devices to replace aging laptops. These devices supported equitable practices by standardizing the model across secondary grades and minimized the impact on student learning by offering accidental damage protection to reduce ongoing maintenance and repair costs.
Classroom & School Support
Refreshed Devices for Library Circulation Desks
All school libraries received new all-in-one desktops to use when checking library books in or out to students. This device in the library is also used by the librarian to manage the library catalog.
Asset Management Tracking System
Incident IQ was acquired to track device-related equipment purchased with Technology Levy funds in real time. This also doubles as a technology support platform to track student and staff requests to the Customer Support Center.
Capital Projects Update
Our district is committed to fostering transparency and accountability in every aspect of our work, ensuring trust and open communication with our community. Find a list of all bond and levy capital projects and their completed or in progress status with dollar amounts below.
All 2018 Capital Levy Projects Update
In spirit of transparency and accountability, Kent School District received a clean state audit. The audit of the Kent School District focused on various aspects of its operations including procurement – public works, conflict of interest, and use of restricted funds – bond proceeds to name a few.
Sawyer Woods Flooring Replacement Project from the 2018 Levy Completed
Carpet was installed in classrooms and office areas, walk-off carpet installed at entrances and below sinks, rolled rubber in the multipurpose room, Omni Sport foam rubber in the Gym, Spartacote epoxy in the nurse's office and staff lounge, polished concrete throughout hallways, and new rubber base throughout all spaces.
Cedar Heights Science Classroom Conversion Project from the 2016 Bond Completed
Phase II was completed over the summer. This included converting the old metal shop and a standard classroom into science rooms with added plumbing for supply and waste lines, sinks, electrical outlets, demonstration tables, cabinetry millwork, new countertops, flooring, and lighting. Also a hallway was improved with cabinets for additional storage.
Meridian Middle Door Hardware Replacement Project from the 2016 Bond Completed
This included removing and replacing door handles, lock hardware, strike plates, closures, kick plates, panic bars, door stops, and sweeps. A few doors were also replaced due to unrepairable condition.
2024 Capital Projects and Technology Replacement Levy Proposal Information
With the 2018 Capital Projects and Technology Levy expiring at the end of 2024, the school board approved a resolution for a replacement levy proposal on the November 5 ballot to continue funding for critical or emergent needs such as:
Technology education and infrastructure
Critical repairs
Health and safety projects
Why is a levy needed?
The state provides no funding for capital levy projects and after December 2024, there is no voter-approved capital funding source to keep our buildings modernized and provide funds for old, aging equipment and infrastructure. The state funding model relies on voter-approved levy and bond dollars. Learn more about state funding issues.
Is it a new tax?
This is not a new tax. Like a subscription, local school levies must be renewed. This levy replaces the 2018 Capital and Technology Levy, which expires in December 2024.
What is included in this levy?
This levy supports 14 technology needs and projects, and 28 critical repairs and safety projects.
What has changed in this levy proposal?
It is 49% less compared to the April 2024 levy that was not passed.
Only critical or emergent needs are included. Most of this equipment has reached or surpassed its expected lifespan, with warranties expired. As a result, there is an increase in failure rates and rising maintenance costs.
The community asked for more details; KSD has provided estimated costs on the website.
For more information visit our website at 2024 Capital Projects & Technology Replacement Levy
