As you should know by now, the Federal Way School District has a technology levy scheduled for an election on Feb. 9. This is not a new levy … it is simply a levy to replace the one we now have and more importantly, there is no tax increase. The purpose of the levy is the same… to provide the necessary hardware, software and training so our students can continue to receive a first-class education which they truly deserve.

As Superintendent Dr. Tammy Campbell pointed out, technology is not only a vital part of our lives and professions today but our students’ education as well. As an individual who works as a paraeducator, I have seen the importance of technology firsthand in elementary, middle and high school classrooms. Some use desktops, some use laptops, some use Chrome Books… for learning, working on in-class assignments, doing homework assignments or assessment testing.

Why is this important? As Dr. Campbell pointed out, our students must have these skills because our state ranks 8th in the nation in technology careers for the 21st century. We must educate our students so that they are engaged today and ready for tomorrow.

Do your part and vote yes for this levy. Finally, this levy has been endorsed by former school superintendents Tom Vander Ark and Tom Murphy, the Federal Way Education Association (our teachers), Federal Way Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Jim Ferrell, Deputy Mayor Jeanne Burbidge as well as three other council members, Matthew Jarvis and representatives Teri Hickel and Linda Kochmar.

Gary Robertson, Federal Way