Educational Technology Note (ETN) and SB9 Mill Levy (School Building Tax)

ETN

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q:        WHAT ARE THE VOTERS BEING ASKED TO DECIDE FOR THIS ELECTION?

  • The ballot will include two funding decisions for Santa Fe Public Schools. 1) A renewal of the Education Technology Note (ETN). 2) A renewal of the SB9 Mill Levy (or Public School Buildings Tax) representing 2.0 mills. The Technology Note represents about $10 per month and the HB33 Mill Levy about $8 per month in property taxes to the average homeowner. 

Q:        IF I VOTE YES, WILL MY TAXES INCREASE?

  • No, both the Mill Levy and the ETN represent renewals of taxes that were passed in 2018 and 2019, respectively.

 Q:        WHAT ARE THE EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY NOTE FUNDS USED FOR?

  • The ETN provides funding for:

    • Maintaining school infrastructure with high-speed fiber and wireless systems;

    • Providing teachers, students, and classrooms with up-to-date equipment (computers, smart boards, document cameras, tools, and applications); and

    • Supporting teachers with professional development and training.

 Q:        WHAT ARE THE MILL LEVY FUNDS USED FOR?

  • SB9 helps Santa Fe Public Schools pay for the repairs and maintenance of our school buildings and for the upkeep of our playgrounds, playing fields and school landscaping throughout the District. It also pays for custodial contracts so we can have clean and healthy buildings for our children to learn. Without these funds, schools would have to take money from their classroom budgets to pay for this.

 Q:        HOW WILL SFPS ALLOCATE SB9 MILL LEVY AND ETN FUNDS?

  • The district is committed to making our school buildings positive places to learn and work and to providing teachers the technology resources they need. These funds will impact EVERY school in the District, including our charter schools.

 Q:        WHO CAN VOTE IN THIS ELECTION?

  • Any registered voter in Santa Fe County living within the boundaries of the District is eligible to vote. Voters must be registered by October 10, 2023.

 Q:        HOW AND WHERE CAN I VOTE?

  • You may vote in person from October 10-20 (early voting), October 23-November 3 (expanded early voting), and on November 7 (election day). The locations for these voting opportunities will be advertised, and you can also find information on the County Clerk’s website.