Hamilton schools ask voters to back safety, technology levies

March 17, 2026 - 05:34

The Hamilton School District is returning to voters this spring with a pair of focused funding requests, shifting strategy after a major bond proposal failed less than a year ago. Instead of a single large-scale construction project, the district is now seeking approval for two smaller, separate levies dedicated specifically to student safety and classroom technology.

The first measure is a safety and security levy. If approved, the funds would be used to enhance building security systems, update emergency communications, and support mental health services and school resource officers. District officials emphasize that these investments are critical to maintaining secure learning environments across all schools.

The second measure is a technology levy. This funding would address the ongoing cycle of updating essential educational tools, including student and staff devices, classroom presentation systems, and the underlying network infrastructure that supports digital learning. The district notes that technology needs constant renewal to keep pace with curriculum demands and cybersecurity standards.

Superintendent Tom Korst emphasized the refined approach, stating the levies address immediate and pressing needs identified through community feedback. The combined tax impact of both levies is presented as being significantly lower than the previous bond proposal. The measures will be on the ballot for the upcoming special election, with district leaders launching a public information campaign to detail the specific uses and fiscal implications of each levy.