Overview

August 3

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America’s schools and libraries have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in new connectivity infrastructure that will provide the tools and services their communities need for remote learning.

The Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF), authorized by Congress as part of the American Rescue Plan, provides $7.17 billion for school and library systems to help connect students, staff and library patrons who may lack sufficient internet access at home, or who may not have the devices they need to complete their schoolwork remotely.

Join us August 3, at 10 am Pacific /1 pm Eastern for a briefing on the ECF – including eligibility, deadlines and how to ensure the investments you make not only serve students and library patrons for hybrid learning and employment opportunities, but also help close the digital divide. 

Speakers

 

Kim Mirabella

Director, Public Sector, South, Verizon

Kim is a 23 year veteran of Verizon, and leads the Government sales team focused solely on serving the Public Sector which includes State and Local Government, Public Safety, K-12 and Higher Education, Federal and Non-Profit sectors. By partnering with public agencies, her team solves everyday business challenges through a myriad of strategic technology solutions. Kim and her team have been instrumental in addressing the digital divide and enabling hybrid learning for thousands of students through the execution of Verizon's distance learning contracts and delivery of affordable wireless solutions.

 

Tom Ryan

Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Education

Tom Ryan has recently retired from Santa Fe Public Schools, in New Mexico, as Chief Information and Strategy Officer. He has co-founded, K12 Strategic Technology Advisory Group, to assist district leaders deliver educational success with technology, which is led by experienced school technology leaders. He has expertise in strategic planning and leadership, designing digital learning environments, technology infrastructure reviews. Dr. Ryan has a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction. He has served as CIO in large and very large public-school districts and has 40+ years of experience and expertise in teaching, leadership, technology integration and blended/online learning program development. He is past chair in CoSN and works with the Council of the Great City Schools (CGCS) performing large school district reviews and helps coordinate annual CIO conferences. Dr. Ryan is a Senior Fellow for the Center of Digital Education and presents at several international and national conferences throughout the year.

 

Kipp Bentley — Moderator

Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Education

Kipp Bentley is a senior fellow with the Center for Digital Education. He has been a teacher, a librarian, and a district-level educational technology director. He currently writes and consults from Santa Fe, New Mexico.

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