Fall Edition 2011 ISD 273
Edina Public Schools News
Referendum Invests in Classroom of Today and Tomorrow Edina Public Schools is conducting a vision for technology. The 2015 Technology Referendum on Tuesday, November 8 during Plan will guide investments over the next the general election that asks voters to renew decade that seek to create a new standard the current operating levy and to increase for excellence to expand successful, the capital levy to advance learning through innovative and personalized learning technology. Existing to occur anytime, levies are due to expire “The community’s support of anywhere. in 2012. this referendum is critical to The last technology our ongoing success” All schools would levy was approved receive funding to in 1998. Since then, - Randy Meyer keep class sizes at mobile devices are used current levels and to integrate technology constantly, transforming the way people infrastructure, hardware, software, support communicate and access information in and training. their daily lives. A similar transformation is happening in the classroom, where students Impact on Learning have new opportunities to communicate and “Digital media technologies have tremendous collaborate with people across the globe. potential to enhance learning,” said Steve Buettner, Director of District Media & While the District has seen a good value on Technology Services. “Technology will its past technology investments, several areas empower teachers and help them to make need to be updated. The district’s current learning more dynamic and engaging.” computer operating system, Windows XP, is almost 10 years old. Its fiber optic network was Every day in Edina classrooms, digital media installed a decade ago. The 2015 Technology technologies allow student to access, produce, Plan calls for the first major systems-wide distribute and modify information and creative technology reinvestment in seven years, aside content with unprecedented speed, ease and from installing a new telephone system scope. With the additional investments in last year. technology, students will develop the critical personal and professional skills they need to The current technology levy pays for only enter a 21st century job market and world. a small portion of the District’s actual technology expenses, the majority of which In 2010-11, more than 70 community and staff are covered by general funds. The new members collaborated to update the District’s technology levy would cover 90 percent of
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technology expenses and allow the District to redirect almost $1.2 million, currently used for technology back to the general fund to support other educational programs, services and projects. If both questions are successful, the additional tax impact on a median-priced home of $400,000 in Edina would be less than $15 per month. If both questions are unsuccessful, the district would lose five percent of its general fund annual revenue and would need to make an annual $4 million budget adjustment. “Strong communities make strong schools. Edina students continue to excel and our district continues to rank among the best in the nation because the Edina community places a high value on education and has historically supported the operating and capital levy referendums,” noted School Board Chair Randy Meyer. “The community’s support of this referendum is critical to our ongoing success.” Turn to page 4 for Referendum Q & A By their nature, children’s injuries and illnesses are urgent. That is why we have Ready Care. You don’t need any kind of appointment if your child is sick or injured…
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