Q: If approved, what does the ETN mean to my bottom line?
A: The tax rate will stay the same. This election will NOT increase the tax rate over current levels. This is NOT a new tax, simply a renewal of taxes already approved by voters in 2016. If voters approve this ETN, a home valuation of $235,000 will result in the taxpayer continuing to pay approximately $9.94 per month toward ETN. For more information, click here.
Q: What is the Santa Fe Public Schools (SFPS) Digital Learning Plan (DLP)? Why is it important?
A: SFPS has implemented a five-year technology-based teaching and learning plan to create a progressive learning environment so that:
- All students will possess the education and skills required to compete in the global marketplace.
- Teachers will have the tools and training to prepare students to be collaborative world citizens.
- Our community will benefit from more skilled young adults entering college and workforce.
Q: What is an Education Technology Note?
A: An education technology note (ETN) is a legislative funding vehicle that allows public schools to use local tax dollars to fund District technology initiatives. Your money stays in the community, shared with both public and charter schools.
Q: How does the ETN support Student Success?
A: The ETN provides resources for students and teachers such as student use devices, connectivity, digital content, and training for teachers. These resources expand the school day, provide an environment to customize learning to the individual needs of students, and provide the tools necessary to prepare students for an increasingly digital world.
- Student Devices, Innovation & Design Spaces, and Instructional Technology (45% of ETN Funding) - SFPS is minimizing equity gaps among students. Increased student access for students in grades K-6 to computing devices during school. Students in grades 7-12 continue to have a Chromebook for 24/7 use, expanding student access to learning resources. Classroom technology is maintained and replaced in a sustainable manner. SFPS schools will have the ability to modernize computer labs, moving away from a standard lab model, and toward flexible "Innovation & Design" Spaces to ensure students havbe 21st century skills.
- Educator Professional Learning and Instructional Support (30% of ETN Funding) - The SFPS Digital Learning Coach program provides a critical resource to every school - 16 Digital Learning Coaches District wide. In addition, the ETN will help SFPS integrate computer science I-12 and complete the implementation of a best-in-class professional development program designed to help our staff reach their full potential with a focus on preparing students for their future, supported with the technologies prevalent in today's global economy.
- Student Connectivity (15% of ETN Funding) - Supports the network and wireless systems necessary to maintain state-of-the-art learning environments, and access to 1:1 student computing; and,
- Technical Support (10% of the ETN) - End user support for staff and students, network security and student privacy measures, and program support staff.
Q: What happens if the community does not pass the ETN?
A: SFPS connectivity infrastructure and school computer hardware requires maintenance and upgrades to stay operational. The District’s ability to deliver and support student and teacher use of network, devices, and system will be severely impacted. Most of our technology support comes from ETN resources. Without the ETN, mission critical costs would be lost and more students would lose important support.
Q: Why a special mail in election?
A: Earlier this year the legislature mandate all elections be consolidated into November, leaving SFPS with a budget gap since the prior ETN was approved by voters in February 2016.
Q: How and when can I vote on the ETN?
A: Santa Fe County will be holding a special election using mail-in ballots sent to all registered voters starting February 5, and asks them to return ballots to the Santa Fe County Office no later than March 5.