City of Columbus Announces CARES Act Funding For Columbus City School
Mayor
Andrew J. Ginther along with Columbus City Council President Pro Tem Elizabeth
Brown and Columbus City Schools today announced CARES Act funding for
additional Chromebooks for Columbus City Schools’ students.
“Virtual
learning shined a bright light on disparities in our community. Students
without access to technology have been left behind,” said Mayor Ginther. “These
funds will put access to learning right into the hands of more students right
here in our city.”
In
May, the City received $157 million CARES Act dollars from the U.S. Treasury to
provide assistance in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Columbus will use $7
million of those dollars to assure that every student in Columbus City Schools
will be given a Chromebook.
"Technology
and digital learning will be critical components to the future of schools,
pandemic or not. CCS’s continued partnership with Mayor Ginther and Columbus
City Council is critical as we ensure equity in education for all our students
both in the short term during this pandemic, and long-term to drive student
achievement,” said Columbus City Schools Superintendent/CEO Dr. Talisa Dixon. “I
am appreciative of our ongoing partnership which will benefit all our students
and their families as we work to balance the educational needs of our students
with health and safety guidance during this ongoing pandemic. Columbus City Schools is committed to being
a leader in technology, and that is why this funding and this partnership is so
critical for our students and our educators. These devices will allow all CCS
students to access our online curriculum which will help close the digital
divide and increase academic outcomes for our school community."
In
order to leverage this partnership, Columbus City Schools will ensure that all
students and families are able to access the devices for virtual learning. The
District will also work to provide hotspots and reliable internet access so
that students are able to use their Chromebooks for lessons and online
instruction.
“Providing
this funding is an important short-term step to help connect students with
digital learning opportunities during this pandemic,” said Pro Tem Elizabeth
Brown. “As we take the necessary precautions to keep our community safe, we
must continue to do everything we can to support kids and families who are
struggling to adjust to the new realities of living with COVID-19.”