The DeKalb County School District has undertaken a fast-paced technology plan to make 123 schools and centers wireless by the winter. With a total price tag of $4.5 million, the project is funded through the Special Purpose Local Options Sales Tax.
Currently, 14 schools and centers are completed with an average of one access point per two classrooms. The completed schools are Cedar Grove High, Chamblee Middle, Clarkston High, Coralwood Center, International Student Center, Kittredge Magnet School, Lithonia High, Lithonia Middle, Margaret Harris Comprehensive School, Miller Grove High, Peachtree Middle, Redan Middle, Tucker Middle and Warren Technical School. The cost for the 14 so far is nearly half a million dollars.
“We are pleased with the results so far of our aggressive technology plan,” said Chief Information Officer Gary Brantley. “With their vote in support of SPLOST, the citizens of DeKalb County made a sound investment in their children's schools. Through this program, our students will learn in 21st century environments that reflect their changing needs.”
An update of all SPLOST technology projects can be found [http://www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/splost-iv/projects/] here. In addition to providing wireless access for all classrooms, DCSD is using SPLOST funding to update hardware, provide 21st century classroom technology including interactive white boards, upgrade technology infrastructure, distribute digital content and upgrade telecommunications infrastructure.
This article was written by the school system and edited for publication.