Hardware & Infrastructure

Computer systems, major hardware & school/district facilities news


USAC Extends E-Rate Application Deadline to April 16

In consultation with the FCC and in response to a request from the country’s largest school districts, the Universal Service Administration Company has extended the E-rate application window for this fiscal year by three weeks.

Cesar Chavez Adds Solar Power for Reduced Energy Costs, Improved STEM Opportunities

The Cesar Chavez Public Charter Schools for Public Policy has installed an interactive learning solar power system at its Washington D.C. Parkside Campus.

Oakland USD Adds Solar To Reduce Energy Costs, Increase STEM Opportunities

Oakland Unified School District has installed solar panels at 16 schools, totaling 3.6 megawatts. In addition to energy, the installations will provide STEM education opportunities for OUSD students.

California District To Save $39 Million with Solar Power

Antioch Unified School District has installed solar power projects at 20 campuses, with a projected savings of $39 million in energy costs over 30 years.

To Prepare for Online Assessments, Some Schools Try to Break Their Own Networks

In three states this week, schools encouraged thousands of students and staff to overwhelm their networks with traffic. The stress tests have helped district leaders spot and solve tech issues ahead of this spring's Web-based testing.

E-rate

What the New E-rate Funding Can Do for Your District

The $1.5 billion increase in annual funding approved by the FCC last week is expected to allow 101,000 schools and 16,000 libraries to expand their high-speed broadband and WiFi access.

Ed Tech Leaders Applaud FCC Decision to Increase Funding for Broadband by $1.5 Billion a Year

The Federal Communications Commission voted today to increase the E-rate fund by $1.5 billion annually. The decision will allow the United States to expand high-speed WiFi access to 43.5 million additional students, more than 101,000 additional schools and nearly 16,000 additional libraries.

Oregon District To Save $132,000 Annually with Energy Upgrades

Oregon's South Lane School District has agreed to a $2.1 million energy savings performance contract designed to reduce energy costs by approximately $132,000 each year.

California District Launches $3 Million Energy Retrofit

California's Rescue Union School District has launched a $3 million initiative to improve the energy efficiency of school facilities.

Assessments

10 Lessons Learned From the Assessment Field Tests

Schools and districts that took part in the PARCC and Smarter Balanced trial runs share their experiences to help you prepare for online testing this spring.