Alexandria, Va., - November 24, 2009 - The National School Boards Association asked the Federal Communications Commission to focus on addressing unmet needs from schools and libraries as they propose changes to the E-Rate program and work to expand broadband access.
In comments submitted to the FCC on Nov. 20, NSBA has asked the FCC to continue to limit the E-Rate program to schools and libraries. Expanding access to other entities would be devastating to the current program without a massive and possibly unfeasible funding increase, numerous statutory and administrative changes, and a permanent waiver from the Anti-Deficiency Act, which has slowed implementation of the E-Rate, NSBA wrote.
NSBA also requested that the FCC raise the funding cap of $2.25 billion, which has never been increased or indexed to inflation, to adequately address the program’s needs.
The quality of broadband available is particularly important given schools’ increasing reliance on the internet for technologies such as digital learning, digital textbooks, and remote instruction.
"A national broadband plan for education must recognize and strengthen the role of schools and libraries through the E-Rate program and other initiatives that provide 21st century skills and prepare students and communities to be competitive in a global economy.” said Lucy Gettman, NSBA’s director of federal programs. “Increasing the cap for E-Rate and preserving the current eligibility structure of schools and libraries is essential to the continued success of the program."
And while state and local partnerships are important, schools and libraries are best equipped to understand and address local communities’ broadband needs, which vary widely.
Founded in 1940, the National School Boards Association (www.nsba.org) is a not-for-profit federation of state associations of school boards representing 95,000 local school board members throughout the United States. Its mission is to foster excellence and equity in public elementary and secondary education through local school board leadership. NSBA represents the school board perspective in working with federal government agencies and national organizations that impact education, and provides vital information and services to state associations of school boards throughout the nation.
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NSBA’s comments:
www.nsba.org/MainMenu/Advocacy/FederalLaws/EducationTechnologyERate/FCC-Comments.aspx