Duluth School District Technology Referendum: A Capital Investment for Future Success

Duluth Public School Superintendent John Magas visited the studio to discuss the upcoming Technology Referendum vote scheduled for Tuesday, May 14. The purpose of this referendum is to enhance digital access for students. A similar referendum was proposed in November 2023 but failed by a narrow margin of less than 300 votes. The new referendum, costing approximately ten years, is designated as a capital project.

The goal of the referendum is to equip Duluth Public Schools with the necessary tools for students to thrive in a technology-driven world. Apart from updating Smart Boards, devices, and sound systems, the focus is also on educating students about cyber security and responsible technology use. Superintendent John Magas highlighted the need for a focused vote separate from a presidential election to ensure voter attention and understanding.

If the referendum does not pass, funding for one-to-one devices for students could be jeopardized, potentially leading to the phasing out of Smart Boards in classrooms. Some existing equipment in the district is quite outdated, with security camera systems being over 17 years old and other equipment over 70 years old. Passing the referendum would help in averting significant budget cuts in the next two years.

The financial impact on taxpayers in Duluth will vary based on the size and assessed value of their homes. For instance, the tax on a house assessed at $315,000 is estimated at around $10.87