Hemlock Public School District is pleased to announce a significant upgrade to the digital infrastructure at both Hemlock Elementary and K.C. Ling Elementary. This project is made possible through the district’s continued partnership with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) and the federal E-Rate program.
This project will replace aging wireless access points across both elementary campuses. By utilizing the E-Rate program, a federal initiative that provides discounts to schools and libraries for affordable internet access and internal connections, the district is able to complete these critical upgrades at a fraction of the traditional cost.
"Our commitment to providing a world-class education starts with a reliable foundation," said Alex Haltom, Director of Innovation, Technology, and Media Services for Hemlock Public School District. "This Wi-Fi upgrade ensures that our youngest learners and their teachers have the seamless, high-speed connectivity required for modern, interactive lessons. By leveraging E-Rate funding, we are able to stay on the cutting edge of classroom technology while remaining responsible stewards of our local community’s tax dollars."
The upgrade will provide increased bandwidth and better signal density, allowing for a higher volume of connected devices to operate simultaneously without lag. This is particularly vital as the district continues to integrate digital literacy and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) initiatives into the elementary curriculum.
Work on the installation is slated to begin July 1st to ensure zero disruption to student learning.
This project marks another milestone in Hemlock Public School District’s long-term technology roadmap. It ensures that every student from their first day in kindergarten to their high school graduation has access to the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world.
About the E-Rate Program:
The Schools and Libraries (E-Rate) program is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) under the direction of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). It provides discounts to assist most schools and libraries in the United States to obtain affordable internet access and telecommunications services.