The Technology Levy - An Investment in Our Students' Future
What is the Technology Levy?
The Anacortes School District is committed to preparing students for success in a connected, digital world. Thanks to the support of our community, the district has passed and renewed its Technology Levy in 2014, 2018, and 2022. These funds are vital, not only to maintain and upgrade our technology, but to ensure that every student has equitable access to the tools, instruction, and infrastructure needed for modern learning.
Without the levy, these transformative initiatives would not be possible.
What Has the Technology Levy Made Possible?
The levy has had a direct and lasting impact on students, staff, and families across our district, extending far beyond the purchase of new devices for students. Below are just some of the key accomplishments made possible by this critical funding source:
Devices for Every Student
- Launched and sustained a 1:1 Chromebook program for all students in grades 2–12.
- Began a four-year refresh cycle in 2024 to ensure students in key grades (2, 6, and 9) receive updated devices as they move through the system.
- Enabled remote and hybrid learning during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
Modern Classrooms & Instructional Tools
- Installed Boxlight interactive displays in every instructional space, replacing aging projectors with touch-enabled, collaborative technology.
- Funded upgrades to our iMac video lab, supporting digital media and career pathways in video production and broadcasting.
- Provided students with industry-standard desktops in Robotics and Business Labs at AHS, powering hands-on learning in photography, marketing, and coding.
Technology Staffing & Support
- Fully funds 4 core positions in the district’s Technology Department:
- Supervisor/Systems Administrator & Project Manager
- Network Engineer
- Two Tier 1 Technicians supporting daily school site needs
- Supports stipends for Teacher Technology Leaders at every school, helping educators integrate digital tools into instruction and providing peer support..
Network & Infrastructure Overhaul
- Replaced outdated network switches and upgraded every school to high-speed Wi-Fi 6.
- Modernized classroom cabling and core systems to deliver faster, more reliable connectivity districtwide.
- Upgraded to a modern virtual server infrastructure that powers many of our digital tools and services.
- Installed new UPS battery backup systems to protect against power outages and ensure uninterrupted learning.
Operational Efficiency & Sustainability
- Launched a districtwide Printer Refresh Project (2025), replacing our aging devices with modern, efficient Ricoh printers.
- Transitioned from a legacy phone system to RingCentral, a flexible cloud-based solution with secure eFax and mobile access.
- Overhauled our district website to comply with ADA/Section 504 accessibility standards, creating a more inclusive and family-friendly experience.
Cybersecurity & Data Protection
- Implemented a districtwide enterprise backup and disaster recovery system to protect data from cyber threats and system failures.
- Completed an external security assessment and established a routine process for monthly vulnerability scans to strengthen our digital infrastructure.
- Launched a secure identity management system (Clever IDM), which:
- Automates account creation and removal
- Allows students and staff to reset their own passwords
- Empowers teachers to manage student logins directly in the classroom
- Aligns with state and industry best practices
Why the Technology Levy Matters to the Anacortes School District
At a time when school districts across Washington are facing budget shortfalls and rising costs, the Technology Levy is what allows Anacortes to keep moving forward. It funds not just hardware and software, but the people, systems, and learning environments that power student success.
Your continued support is what makes all of this possible. Thank you for investing in a future-ready education for every student in the Anacortes School District.