ISD superintendent: Technology millage needs support


ISD superintendent: Technology millage needs support

The Monroe County Intermediate School District is asking the community to renew the regional enhancement millage for educational technology on Tuesday, May 4, 2021.

This investment in educational technology for our students is NOT a new tax; it is a renewal request. Since it is a renewal, our local property taxes will NOT increase. This request for renewal amounts to .9866 mill for five years, which represents .9866 cents of taxes for every $1,000 of taxable value on a home (each home has its taxable value. For instance, a home with a taxable value of $100,000 would provide $98.66 per year for educational technology). The renewal request is for slightly LESS than 1 mill.  

State law mandates that only intermediate school districts are allowed to place regional enhancement millages on the ballot for voter consideration. Since 1997, local school districts have been unable to approach the public for operating millages at the local district level. This is a county-wide election because, by law, that is the only option.  

As required by state law, the local Boards of Education for the nine public school districts and the two charter schools, throughout Monroe County have requested that the Monroe County Intermediate School District’s Board of Education conduct this election to seek renewal of the county-wide millage for educational technology initiatives that support curriculum goals in the schools, across all grades K-12.  

The millage was originally approved in 1997 for five years and has been renewed 4 times by Monroe County voters. This renewal levy is again for five years. If the levy is renewed, the monies generated by the millage will be distributed to these local school districts: Airport Community Schools, Bedford Public Schools, Dundee Community Schools, Ida Public Schools, Jefferson Schools, Mason Consolidated Schools, Monroe County ISD, Monroe Public Schools, New Bedford Academy, Summerfield Schools, Triumph Academy, and Whiteford Agricultural Schools, based on each district’s K-12 student population. Each school district will receive approximately $288.00 per student based on current enrollment and taxable value figures. 

The election will be held on Tuesday, May 4, 2021. Polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and mail-in ballots will be available by March 20th. All persons who are at least 18 years of age, who are residents of Monroe County school districts, and who are registered voters can vote on the issue.  

Millage dollars are designated solely for educational technology, related staffing and services, and cannot be used for any other expenses. The Monroe County Technology Enhancement Millage has provided the financial resources that have resulted in fundamental structural changes that are essential to achieving significant improvements in teaching and learning. Technology infuses classrooms with digital learning tools, such as computers and handheld devices; expands course offerings, experiences, and learning materials; supports learning 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; builds 21st-century skills; increases student engagement and motivation; and accelerates learning.

Technology can transform teaching by providing resources to help teachers improve their instruction and personalize learning. Recently, online learning opportunities and the use of open educational technology resources have proven to be necessary and valuable for students and teachers.  

For additional information on the student benefits of the Monroe County Technology Enhancement Millage readers are encouraged to contact me or their local school district superintendent. 

Dr. Stephen J. McNew, Superintendent 

Monroe County Intermediate School District 


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