On Nov. 8, Orono’s 10-year levy for technology was renewed with 73 percent of the 1756 voters being in favor. This renewal will have no effect on Orono’s district property taxes. Three school board members were re-elected: John Malone, Michael Bash, and Dick Lewis as well as  new board member Don Germanson. On Jan. 9 during the School Board meeting, they will take their oaths of office.The technology referendum provides the Orono School District with taxpayer dollars that make advances in technology and prepare for new technology that will enrich Orono’s learning environment. This referendum was a, “simple renewal of the technology levy,” said Orono School District Superintendent Dr. Karen Orcutt. Every 10 years the technology referendum must be renewed to keep the taxpayer dollars coming in.The technology referendum is extremely important to the daily lives of students.The money goes to purchase new computers, iPads, iPod touches, and SmartBoards amongst other things. We need to have these technological advancements in school so that we can, “Stay competitive, so that kids can have the very very best learning environment prior to moving on to higher levels of learning,” Orcutt explained. “We really want the best for our kids …we really want to have the best classroom environments, teachers, and the best tools for teachers.”Tough decisions and many changes would have occurred if the voters did not pass the levy. The money for technology would have had to come out of general funds and there would have had to been cuts in other departments. There are staff members within the district whose jobs are directly affected by the technological referendum and the new technology the referendum allows the school. Students lives have changed this year with new technology such as the 3D printer for the STEM program and iPads for the middle school. “The 3D printers help visual and tactile learners understand the concepts we learn in class easier,” said Brad Jans, middle school technology teacher. Without the 3D printer, students would not have as clear of an understanding of what they are doing.

The technology levy will bring new achievements to students and staff around the district.

Talia Zadeh is Editor-in-Chief, Taylor Peterson is Layout Chief and Jack Ellis is a Staff Reporter for The Spartan Speaks.