Braintree Schools to Receive $1.2 Million for Digital Learning

The following is a news release.

The Patrick Administration announced on Tuesday that 14 school districts have been selected to receive a total of $5 million in grants for technology infrastructure that will strengthen digital learning at 47 schools in communities across the Commonwealth. The grants to these schools, which include 13 rural schools, 16 suburban schools and 18 urban schools, will impact nearly 25,000 students.

“Technology is essential in preparing our students for success in the 21st century,” said Secretary of Education Matthew Malone. “The opportunities these students will receive due to these grants will put them at a great advantage when they are preparing for college and the workforce demands of the future.”

Braintree schools will receive over $1.2 million in grants.

Grant recipients were selected through a competitiveapplication process. The Digital Connections Partnership Schools Grant is a matching state grant program that will help public schools strengthen 21st-century teaching and learning through the use of technology such as Wi-Fi and increased broadband access.

“I am thrilled that the state is able to help make better technology available to students and teachers,” said Mitchell D. Chester, Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education. “The ability to use technology and harness resources from around the world will broaden students’ horizons and make them stronger scholars, citizens, and, eventually, members of the workforce.”

“Through an unprecedented level of collaboration, education, policy, and technology leaders from across state government are actively engaged with local officials to bridge the digital divide that exists in some schools across the Commonwealth,” said Bill Oates, Commonwealth Chief Information Officer. “By helping schools gain the connectivity they need, we help ensure that teachers and students can benefit from the wealth of teaching and learning opportunities now available through technology.

Financed by the technology bond bill passed last summer andadministered by the Executive Office of Education, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and theOffice of Municipal & Schools Technology, the grant program provides $38 million in matching funds for K-12 technology infrastructure. Governor Patrick authorized release of the first $5 million of the grant funds to pilot the program in the 2014-15 school year.

Based upon each community’s ability to pay, the state will fund between 30 and 70 percent of each district’s project costs. While the state money must be used for infrastructure, the local matching funds may be used for devices.

The designated recipients of the Digital Connections Partnership Schools Grant in Braintree are:

• Braintree High School - $470,000
• East Middle School - $200,000
• Hollis School - $110,000
• South Middle School - $120,000
• Archie T. Morrison School - $30,000
• Donald Ross School - $30,000
• Highlands School - $90,000
• Liberty School - $90,000
• Mary E. Flaherty School - $90,000