Just as Gutenberg’s invention of the moveable type made possible the mass production of printed books centuries ago, modern digital technology – from computers, tablets and the internet – has transformed the nature of teaching and learning in today’s classrooms.

As we know from our own households, computer hardware breaks, eventually becomes outdated and most everyone has migrated from dial up Internet access to high-speed broadband connections. Our schools experience similar needs but only on a larger scale.

Technology is a key pillar of the district’s commitment to student learning and improvement. The district’s strategic plan identifies that “technology will be integral to administration and teaching and learning to prepare all students for career, college, and life beyond high school.”

More than 40 members of our community worked through a fact-finding and deliberation process to assess funding and technology needs. The consensus report recommended high-yield strategies for student and staff access, infrastructure improvements and funding for enhanced learning and teaching both in and outside of the classroom. Among the report’s recommended steps are the implementation of comprehensive digital literacy curriculum and 1:1 device access with the $22,000,000.00, six-year levy that will replace the expiring technology levy from 2005.

Technology in and outside of the classroom is a means to an end, as well as a multiplier of student learning and engagement. The proper deployment and management of technology resources allows students to expand their minds and opportunities for learning. In seeking a renewal of the technology levy, while keeping tax rates flat, the district is keeping faith with its commitment to advancing student learning as well as being sound stewards of resources entrusted to them by district residents and taxpayers like myself.

On behalf of our entire committee, partners and volunteers, we thank the community for their long-standing support of our district’s students and ask you to again affirm that support during the special election by voting yes for students by Feb. 11.

– Auburn Citizens for Schools Executive Committee: Ryan Anderson (chair); Kelly McDonald (treasurer)