On Monday, Duluth school officials held a press conference to provide additional information regarding the proposed school referendum that will come before the voters in a special election on Tuesday, May 14.

Voters in the Duluth School District will consider a $5.2 million per year capital projects levy.

Watch Monday’s full press conference

The Duluth School Board unanimously approved a resolution on January 23 to bring the proposal back to the voters with a request to invest in critically needed technology, security and digital curriculum upgrades across the district.

The proposed investment plan would spend $5.2 million per year over a 10-year term to create a resilient and sustainable digital infrastructure for the district and improve physical and digital security for students and staff. A referendum will be held during a special election on Tuesday, May 14 to give district residents the opportunity to vote on the investment.

You may remember the technology referendum failed in November, but by fewer than 300 votes.

This time, the district believes they can get enough information out there for it to pass.

A newer focus this time around is on Career and Tech Ed, which could use a boost for technology-driven equipment and supplies.

Danette Seboe, Principal on Special Assignment for CTE, shared, “These programs, by design, are very equipment heavy. They are very expensive courses to run and we are required to be up to industry standard.”

Some of the equipment is older than the instructors.

Here’s a link to the website: https://www.futureforward709.org/