I am writing in support of the Lopez Island School District Tech Levy. As a former Teacher-Librarian in the East Wenatchee School District, I saw the benefits of current technology equipment, education and training for students and staff. In the library, I taught students how to use the library catalog to search for reading materials and how to use the internet safely and effectively as a tool.

Yes, students know how to surf the net, but they need training on how to find reliable and viable research sites and how to use the internet responsibly. Current technology and training for both staff and students will allow this to blossom. For example, current technology will allow staff to use collaborative technologies such as Skype to enable their students to learn from others all over the world. Many educational organizations offer free access to lessons and communication forums on environmental & social issues, current events and more worldwide.

Both staff and students need current technology so they can do their jobs more efficiently: teachers to take professional development training and teach their students 21st century skills, and students to practice and become proficient in these skills for college, for work, and for daily life. Without updated technology, students and staff will fall behind.

Technology is one of many tools that educators use to prepare students for critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity skills in all avenues of life.

I believe this Tech Levy is critical for equipment and training to provide guidelines for students, support for teachers and parents to set responsible guidelines, and providing a balance between the teaching of technology and fundamental life skills. Please support the Lopez Island School District Tech Levy.

Beth St. George

Lopez Island

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I am writing to ask your support for the upcoming Lopez School Tech Levy. Much has changed since the last Levy was passed in 2007. Significant improvements in systems have been achieved since that time, so upgrading at this time is significantly important.

The over-arching goal for students graduating from our school is to equip them with the appropriate skill sets/tools to be competitive in college and in the job marketplace.

They must have critical thinking, collaborative skills and technology tools in order to be successful.

Over the Christmas/New Years period, my wife and I traveled to Minnesota to visit family.  While there, our granddaughter was assigned to give a project presentation in her Fourth grade Spanish Immersion class.

We were impressed as she and her fellow students utilized “power point, video and smart board” technology tools in their presentations.  It was then I realized that none of our Lopez students have access to these basic tools.

Therefore, our Lopez students are entering into the university and job arenas ill-equipped to compete.  I fully understand the urgency and absolute  critical need for the Lopez Community to support funding for our Lopez school.  It is unconscionable to deny our students the necessary tools and skills for their success.

The proposed Tech Levy will start to address this issue in a structured, programmed approach over a period of four years. The cost is minimal ($155,000 per year) or approximately $52/year in property taxes for a $400,000 property. The Levy will provide funds for acquiring necessary devices, as well as additional tech training for our Lopez teachers and administrators.

Fortunately, through careful planning, the required hardware infrastructure (capital cost) is covered by the recent Bond that was approved previously by Lopez voters.

Please join me in voting “yes” for the Lopez School Tech Levy on Tuesday, February 9th, 2016.

Gordon Jonasson

Lopez Island

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Please support Lopez School’s tech levy

Lopez School last passed a tech levy nine years ago. Since then computers have become outdated (some no longer even functional), educational software has advanced greatly, and the need for training teachers in current applications has grown.

On the February ballot a levy proposal will be offered to address these needs.

The proposal was developed over an 18-month period by a committee of parents, students, teachers, and tech-savvy community members. It is not an extravagant proposal.

The cost per average household is modest.

Our young people are graduating into a society that requires technological proficiency. We need to enable the school district to provide that on an ongoing basis.

For this reason the levy extends for four years.

Voters may ask why the levy is separate from the current building bond.

The reason is that things like equipment and software do not qualify as construction. They must be approved separately.

Please support the tech levy on the February ballot.

Richard Ward

Lopez Island