Highline students and teachers rely on technology. Voting yes on Prop. 2 restores expired funding approved by voters for the secure systems, reliable internet, and classroom tools that prepare students for success.

This levy funds cybersecurity to protect sensitive student information. It pays for instructional software, internet access, teacher training for responsible technology use, technical support, and devices for students and staff. It funds the system that enables schools to reach parents in an emergency and for day-to-day communication. Technology costs are rising. The levy fills the gap between the funding provided by the state and the actual costs of meeting the technology needs of students and schools.

Modern, reliable technology is an essential investment in student learning. Students must learn safe, responsible use of the technology they encounter now and in the future. Reliable technology means students spend more time learning, and teachers spend more time teaching and less time waiting for systems to work.

The technology levy is a practical investment in the tools Highline students need today and the skills they will need to be successful in the future. Please join parents, educators, neighbors and community leaders in voting Yes for Highline by November 3.

Statement submitted by: Trisha Arias, Karen Keiser, Pat Thompson, www.yesforHighline.org

As Highline parents, we deeply support our public schools and want high-quality learning environments for every student. We also know that real student success comes from dedicated teachers, not screen time. We are voting No on this levy because our children and teachers deserve proven, human-led instruction over endless tech contracts.

Highline’s 1:1 device policy gives every child an internet-connected device starting in Kindergarten. While major urban districts and private schools are scaling back devices and auditing tech contracts, Highline is asking us to auto-renew. We need to pause and reassess how tech is being used in our classrooms.

Voters have approved multiple tech levies since 2018, yet academic outcomes have gone down. Relying on expensive and unproven programs like i-Ready instead of comprehensive, evidence-based instruction simply isn’t working. Furthermore, this levy is a blank check; with Policy 6101 just changed in June, it will give administrators upfront authority to sign million-dollar tech contracts without a public meeting or school board vote.

A No vote isn't abandoning our schools; it’s demanding smarter, low-tech learning and real district accountability before writing a $48 million check. Our students and our teachers deserve better. Vote No for Now.
 

Statement submitted by: Mike Bishoff, Katie Paulson, Lauren Schmidt, BetterPlanforHighline.com

This levy funds technology for student safety, parent communication, and cybersecurity - not more screentime. Teachers use technology in human-led modern classroom instruction. Students need to learn safe, responsible use of technology to be prepared for future careers. Fact check: Policy 6101 still requires school board approval of million-dollar tech contracts. Voters overwhelmingly approved Highline’s one/only tech levy in 2020. Vote yes: restore expired funding and give our students the same advantages as other communities.

Statement submitted by: Trisha Arias, Karen Keiser, Pat Thompson, www.yesforHighline.org

Prop 2 falsely assumes more tech equals more learning and software saves teacher time. Supporting schools shouldn't mean funding unproven technology or forcing early device reliance on young children.

Safe, working schools need transparent plans, not blank checks. Vote No to demand district accountability: audit all tech contracts, remove 1:1 devices in early grades, establish clear districtwide screen policies, and restore direct school board oversight over academics and spending. Highline students deserve better.

Statement submitted by: Mike Bishoff, Katie Paulson, Lauren Schmidt, BetterPlanforHighline.com

Download the full text of the resolution

Simple majority (Wash. Const. art. VII, sec. 2(a))

For questions about this measure, contact: Andrew Burgess, Controller, (206) 631-3201, andrew.burgess@highlineschools.org