Technology skills have become an essential for nearly every job available today. The state requires schools to teach technology curriculum and to use technology to assess students’ learning. While the state provides some funding for technology, it’s not enough to meet the requirements of the 21st century classroom, according to Federal Way Public Schools.

A proposal for a six-year $24.4 million replacement technology levy for the February 2016 ballot was presented at the school district’s Nov. 3 board work study session. At that session, the board heard an in-depth presentation on the use of the current technology levy funding, and plans for the next six years. On Nov. 10, a ballot measure and resolution went before the board at their regular meeting.

A local technology levy has been in place since 2005. Most recently, voters approved a replacement technology levy in 2010 to continue supporting the technology needs of both students and staff. Specifically, it provides funding for the infrastructure—the network, both hardwired and wireless—as well as hardware such as computers and tablets.

Federal Way schools are able to keep computers up to date and introduce new technology because of the support of the district’s voters, district officials said.

The board will take action at the Nov. 24 meeting to put the measure on the February ballot.