Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Michael 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, 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.
DISCUSSION:
Since this Board's approval of the Project, the Information Services Department (ISD) has worked to finalize plans with school districts, gather quotes for equipment, and establish contracts with vendors. Through this work, ISD has determined that some adjustments will need to be made to some of the original procurement and contracting plans to ensure the success of these projects. These adjustments will stay within the $2,879,010 already allocated to the Project and will be presented at a future Board meeting.
The fo...
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