The Lone Rock School District is asking community members to vote on a $100,000 Technology Levy in addition to the district’s existing $19,650 perpetual technology levy, which has remained unchanged since 2004. The goal of this levy is simple: to keep students safe while maintaining the technology systems that support learning and daily school operations. If approved, this levy will not increase student time on devices. Instead, it will allow us to maintain and strengthen the safety, security, and infrastructure systems that protect students in today’s digital world.
Technology Has Changed Dramatically Since 2004.
When the current technology levy was first approved in 2004, the technology landscape looked very different.
In 2004, cell phones were mainly used for calling and texting, dial-up internet was still common, desktop computers were the primary way to access the internet, schools typically used centralized computer labs and MP3 players such as the iPod were replacing CDs.
Today, high-speed and satellite internet connectivity is common, schools rely on nearly unlimited cloud storage, artificial intelligence tools are increasingly misused, the standard in schools is often a Chromebook or device for each student and schools must maintain network security systems and campus monitoring tools.
Technology now plays a much larger role in student safety, communication, learning, and school operations than it did twenty years ago.
Costs associated with technology have increased significantly since 2004. Between 2004 and 2026, inflation has increased by approximately 72 percent. In practical terms, something that cost $100 in 2004 would cost about $172 today. Schools are also facing increased costs related to technology systems and software, cybersecurity protections, network infrastructure, utilities and insurance, ongoing maintenance and licensing fees and more.
While technology costs have grown, the district’s technology levy has remained the same since 2004. The actual technology cost per student today is approximately $461.82, based on annual technology expenses of $126,538.68.Currently, much of this cost is being paid out of the district’s General Fund.
Why Create a Dedicated Technology Levy?
By creating a dedicated technology levy, we can move technology costs out of the General Fund and free up those dollars for other important student priorities. These priorities include:
- Keeping curriculum updated on a five-year adoption cycle
- Updating student assessment systems
- Maintaining small class sizes
- Investing in professional development for teachers
- Providing additional academic supports for students
In today’s world, schools must actively manage several digital safety risks. Some of these include exposure to inappropriate online content, cyberbullying, unsafe communication online, scams or phishing attempts, privacy and data security risks and long-term digital footprint concerns. To help manage these risks, Lone Rock maintains several technology safety systems and services, including:
- Montana K12 Network ($59,717) – network security, firewall management, and 24/7 monitoring
- GoGuardian ($4,296)– student device monitoring and classroom management
- Infinite Campus ($2,702) – secure management of student records and data
- Apptegy ($6,009) – emergency alerts and communication with families
- Raptor Technologies ($695) – campus visitor safety and building access
While safety is a top priority, technology also provides valuable learning opportunities. For a small rural school like Lone Rock, technology connects students to educational resources that might otherwise be unavailable. Some instructional programs include digital licenses from Curriculum Associates ($8,550), reading programs from Renaissance Learning ($3,508) and district-wide student assessment systems (approximately $4,800).
Technology also supports daily school operations and is also essential to many systems that keep the school running efficiently. Some examples of this are managing staff absences and substitute placement, maintaining student records and accounts, tracking attendance and grades, communicating with families, monitoring building security, managing heating and climate systems and maintaining the district’s network infrastructure. Many technology costs are not devices, but the software, systems, and security tools that allow the school to operate safely and efficiently.
If approved, the technology levy would have a relatively small impact on local taxpayers.
Estimated costs:
- $100,000* home value: about $0.83 per month ($9.99 per year)
- $300,000* home value: about $2.50 per month ($29.96 per year)
- $600,000* home value: about $5.74 per month ($68.86 per year)
- Financial analysis per MCA 15-10-425b
In addition to the proposed technology levy, Lone Rock School District is also asking voters to consider a $50,000 School and Student Safety and Security Building Reserve Levy. This funding would be used to further improve the safety of the school campus by updating aging security systems and cameras, strengthening building safety infrastructure, and addressing several needed safety-related repairs to school facilities. Maintaining a secure learning environment is a top priority for the district, and these improvements will help ensure that our buildings remain safe for students, staff, and visitors.
Estimated cost to taxpayers:
- $100,000* home value: about $0.42 per month ($4.99 per year)
- $300,000* home value: about $1.25 per month ($14.98 per year)
- $600,000* home value: about $2.87 per month ($34.43 per year)
- Financial analysis per MCA 15-10-425b
Lone Rock School understands that many families are facing financial challenges due to rising costs. Asking the community for additional funding is not something the district takes lightly. The District is committed to, being fiscally responsible with taxpayer dollars, using funds efficiently and transparently and ensuring every dollar supports students and school safety
The district greatly appreciates the continued support of the Lone Rock community and remains committed to providing a safe, high-quality education for every student. Community members are encouraged to learn more about the technology levy on the school website: https://www.lonerockschool.org/ or by emailing the superintendent, Teresa Weems, at tweems@lonerockschool.org. Additionally, we will be holding community meetings at the school (multi-purpose room) on March 26 at 5:30pm and April 1 at 6:00pm to provide more information and answer questions.
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