Schools can apply for grants to upgrade to fiber optic networks

Illinois school districts can apply now for funds to expand broadband capabilities for the 2018-19 school year.

The state board of education is seeking requests for proposals for pending state funds to expand internet connectivity in schools. The money would reimburse school districts for the cost of upgrading their broadband infrastructure to fiber optic technology.

Nearly 90,000 students in 106 school districts statewide do not have enough bandwidth for digital learning, according to estimates provided by the national nonprofit EducationSuperHighway.

Fiber optic technology delivers the most affordable and fastest network speeds, allowing school districts to scale cost-effectively to meet growing bandwidth needs.

"A quality education today absolutely includes high-speed internet access," State Superintendent of Education Tony Smith said. "We need to cultivate a skilled workforce for Illinois to attract businesses and compete in the global economy. The one-time cost of upgrading to fiber opens up limitless opportunities to use free online resources, teach coding, and integrate technology across the curriculum."

The Illinois Classroom Connectivity Initiative works with school districts to accelerate bandwidth upgrades through a partnership with state agencies and EducationSuperHighway. The initiative has helped 756 school districts - educating more than 1.2 million students - meet the 100 kbps per student minimum connectivity goal.

EducationSuperHighway connects school districts with competitive service providers and helps them secure discounts offered through the Federal Communications Commission's E-Rate program. The organization also provides free support and consultation to school districts.

The Learning Technology Centers of Illinois offer free workshops and support for E-Rate applications.

The E-Rate program can provide school districts discounts from 20 percent to 90 percent of the cost of internet installation. Federal funds match up to 10 percent of school districts' total fiber optic construction costs, if the state provides matching grants.

State education officials plan to request $6.3 million in appropriations for E-Rate matching funds as part of the fiscal year 2018-19 budget headed to the General Assembly in January. But school districts must apply by 3 p.m. Feb. 9 for the pending state funds. For more information on the application process, visit isbe.net.