Special Notice / Hearing: None
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Michael P. Callagy, County Manager
Jon Walton, Chief Information Officer
Subject: Public Internet Connectivity Pilot Project Update
RECOMMENDATION:
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Accept this informational report on the progress of the Public Internet Connectivity Pilot Project.
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BACKGROUND:
In March 2020, as a result of the COVID-19 global pandemic, as well as local and state shelter-in-place orders, and the subsequent suspension of on-site learning, San Mateo County school districts resorted to distance learning conducted virtually over video conferencing platforms. The proliferation of students engaged in distance learning revealed significant internet connectivity challenges for school districts, especially those serving students in vulnerable communities.
During the 2020-2021 school year, most San Mateo County school districts will employ distance learning until the risk of COVID-19 has been abated. The effective implementation of distance learning requires access to affordable, reliable, and fast internet service, which not all San Mateo County students currently have.
On August 4, 2020, this Board adopted Resolution No. 077629 authorizing the use of $2,879,010 of Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds for the purposes of funding the "Public Internet Connectivity Pilot Project" (Project) to improve high-speed internet access for disadvantaged students.
On October 20, 2020, this Board adopted Resolution No. 077789 authorizing the reallocation of CARES Act funds, and the execution of amendments with Kaizen Technology Partners, LLC for project management, data analysis, and application development and Strategy of Things for outreach and coordination services related to the establishment of emergency Wi-Fi connectivity.
DISCUSSION:
Since this Board's approval of the Project, the Information Services Department (ISD) has worked to finalize plans wit...
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