Hotspots And Laptops From Federal Cash Bridges Internet Access Divide In Oak Creek Schools

OAK CREEK, WI — The Oak Creek-Franklin Joint School District will receive $522,276 in reimbursements from the FCC for devices that bridge the gap in broadband and technology access.

Schools across the nation, including Oak Creek, face issues with a divide in student internet access. A survey conducted by OCFSD this year found 600 kids lacking sufficient internet access for proper schooling.

The funding will aid the district's "one device for every student" goal. In material form, that means reimbursements for Wi-Fi hotspots and Chromebooks recently purchased by the district.

It all goes to improve equity in accessing the internet from home. According to Emily Debaker, director of communications for the district, the devices are part of initiatives that strive to provide every family with a device and internet access at home.

"Every day we work to break down barriers and ensure that all OCFSD students have access to technology and information regardless of their ethnicity, socio-economic status, age, physical ability, or any other quality," said Chris Bennin, director of IT.

"Technology is an integral part of our society. The generosity of the FCC allows students the ability to discover new passions, participate in cutting-edge educational practices and access to the internet at home will help all our students stay connected," Bennin said in a statement.

The cash comes from the FCC's initiative to expand broadband access to students across America. The awards seek to reimburse districts confronting student gaps in access to technology, and will free up money for the district to handle other things like infrastructure and school security, DeBaker said.

In June and September, Oak Creek-Franklin School District sought reimbursement for Chromebooks and 400 mobile hotspots that were used during the pandemic. The tech is still in use.

The district also surveyed students and found that over 600 students had "inappropriate or no internet service" in their homes, according to documents filed with the FCC.

"What we found is a good number of these students live in the same household and can share the hotspot for learning," the district wrote.

Of the 355 applications for technology and broadband reimbursements submitted to the FCC from Wisconsin schools, 189 were granted.

“Broadband access in Wisconsin has been a significant challenge for families and schools since long before the COVID-19 pandemic, but the need for virtual learning options has made broadband access a necessity,” State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly said in a news release. “Families and schools across our state need additional support to ensure access, and I applaud the FCC for awarding these funds to support our students, educators, and families.”