STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Government Performance and Financial Management
AGENDA DATE: November 11, 2020
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): N/A
DEPARTMENT: Office of Equity and Inclusion
EXECUTIVE: M. Elizabeth Cedillo-Pereira
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SUBJECT
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Authorize four Interlocal Agreements, as part of the Operation Connectivity bulk order program to cover expenses incurred providing distance learning to students residing in the City of Dallas, with (1) Dallas Independent School District in an amount not to exceed $500,000.00; (2) Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District in an amount not to exceed $53,000.00; (3) Richardson Independent School District in an amount not to exceed $260,000.00; and (4) Rylie Family Faith Academy, Inc. dba A+ Charter Schools, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $22,400.00 - Total not to exceed $835,400.00 - Financing: U.S. Department of Treasury - Coronavirus Relief Funds
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BACKGROUND
On June 24, 2020, the City of Dallas designated $10M in CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF) for bridging the digital divide. The City of Dallas recognizes that having access to the internet is critical for families and individuals during this time of crisis. While practicing social distancing and dealing with the closures of many businesses and social services, internet access will help families and individuals do a wide range of activities, from schoolwork to job searching to paying bills.
In response to the critical need that remote and distance learning become an essential part of a school's academic offering, Governor Greg Abbott and Texas legislative leaders have allocated $200M in CRF to match $200M in local school district funding. This combined $400M in bulk buying power will be used to cover the purchases of internet solutions such as hotspots and e-learning devices for Texas' school districts, with the goal of providing connectivity technology for all students who would not otherwise h...
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