Our Plan

Providing our schools with a strong digital infrastructure

Duluth Public School District is asking voters to consider a capital projects levy to provide approximately $5.2 million per year over the next decade to improve and maintain a strong digital infrastructure. If voters approve the referendum, the approximate breakdown of spending would include:

26%

  • The levy would help pay for digital tools that students and staff use on a regular basis, including smartboards and audio/visual equipment for classrooms, devices for students and staff, online curriculum, grading software, and specialized software for classes in graphic design, math, and computer science. Many of these tools help support asynchronous learning, which enables students to learn at their own pace while complimenting what they are taught in the classroom.

17%

  • The levy would fund firewalls, data encryption, and screening measures to protect against scammers, hackers and data breaches, which are a growing threat for school districts. The levy would also fund modern video surveillance cameras, access systems to buildings, and enhanced 911 response systems. These investments would seek to build Duluth Schools’ capacity to anticipate and prevent cyber and physical threats to our schools.

17%

  • The levy would help fund staff to maintain classroom technology and devices. Dedicated maintenance would improve the longevity and efficiency of these tools for our schools.

15%

  • The levy would fund improvements to create a digital infrastructure that is safe, resilient, sustainable, and future proof. This would include updated phone systems, internet service, and standard software.

10%

  • The levy would support upgraded technology and equipment for technical education classes that teach students specialized skills for a variety of careers. Examples of these classes include nursing, robotics, and the trades. Many of these programs require access to specialized equipment and software. Ensuring that these tools are maintained and up to date is critical if students are to be properly prepared to pursue these careers once they graduate.

15%

  • The levy would fund professional development for teachers to equip them with the skills needed to integrate digital tools into the classroom. This would ensure that educators can use digital tools to effectively engage students and maximize their value for learning both in and outside of the classroom.

These expenditures are estimations. Exact amounts may change in response to service costs or inflation.

How will this plan impact students?

Personalized instruction

In a traditional lecture-based classroom, all students are taught the same material at the same rate. Some students inevitably learn quickly, while others learn slower and risk being left behind. The levy would support digital programs like Modern Classroom that allow students to take control of their learning and help teachers spend more time with students who need more assistance.

K-12 student achievement coordinator Sally Weidt and 5th grade teacher London Goode recently presented to the school board on the progress Duluth Schools have already made to implement Modern Classroom at several sites.

Building real-world skills

In technical education classes for nursing, robotics, and the trades, reliable equipment and technology is critical for students who want to pursue careers in these fields. They provide students with early exposure to tools and skills they will use in their future careers here in Duluth, and beyond. The levy would invest in the tools that students need for these classes in order to prepare them for success in school or work after graduation.

Improved safety and security

Students and families deserve to feel safe in our schools and to have their personal information protected. The levy would make responsible investments in updated cybersecurity and security cameras to give students, staff and families peace of mind.

How is this referendum different from the one last November?

The proposed levy requests the same amount and would invest in similar initiatives as the levy proposed during the general election in November 2023.

The capital projects levy in November was rejected by less than 300 votes. Since then, the district’s digital needs and commitment to creating a strong digital infrastructure have not changed. District leaders listened to feedback from teachers, community members, and digital and security experts and determined that improvements to the district’s digital infrastructure remain a critical need.

What happens if the referendum fails?

If the referendum fails, our schools will be unable to make updates to classroom technology, software, security, and digital infrastructure that are critical to student learning.