Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor Warren Slocum, District 4
Supervisor Don Horsley, District 3
Subject: Expansion of the Public Internet Connectivity Pilot Project
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution:
A) Approving a $3,500,000 allocation of Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds to expand the "Public Internet Connectivity Pilot Project" to improve high-speed internet access and provide technology tools for disadvantaged students; and
B) Authorizing the County Manager, or designee, to negotiate, enter into, and/or amend agreements to expand the Public Internet Pilot Project to additional school districts up to a total amount not to exceed $3,500,000 which amount(s) must be incurred no later than December 30, 2020.
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BACKGROUND:
According to the United Nations, the COVID-19 pandemic has created the largest disruption of education systems in history. (See Policy Brief: Education during COVID-19 and beyond, found at https://www.un.org/development/desa/dspd/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2020/08/sg_policy_brief_covid-19_and_education_august_2020.pdf.) Even in San Mateo County, which is in the heart of Silicon Valley, the proliferation of students engaged in distance learning has revealed significant internet connectivity challenges for school districts, especially those serving students in vulnerable communities.
In June 2020, the County Office of Education conducted a countywide survey of all school districts to determine the extent of the internet connectivity need and found that 4,411 elementary and high school students did not have access to laptops and/or WIFI connectivity in their homes.
While the State and County move toward reopening business activities, the number of identified COVID-19 cases continues to grow; in fact, as of October 13, 2020, there were 855,072 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases in California and...
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