Superintendent of Schools Doug White told the Marion School Committee on November 28 that he and District Facilities Director Gene Jones have requested funding for two projects from the Marion Capital Improvement Committee totaling roughly $125,000.
The first project is technology infrastructure at Sippican School, which comes at an initial cost of $102,644.
“What we’re trying to do is to make sure that there’s an [Internet] access point in each and every room, which would then allow every computer to have the speed and the ability to use the technology to the best of its ability,” White said.
Although the district has requested $102,644 from the Town, $56,000 would be reimbursed through the E-Rate Program.
The Federal Communications Commission in 2014 adopted the E-Rate Modernization Order that expands funding for Wi-Fi networks in schools and libraries, ensuring affordable access to high-speed Internet.
White emphasized that unless the project is completed this year, the money would become unavailable.
The second request in the amount of $25,000 would fund a fourth phase of the BCT flooring project at Sippican School.
“We will continue to ask for additional funds until the project is complete throughout the building,” White said.
White also said he encouraged the Capital Improvement Committee to consider supporting the Police Department’s request to fund the installation of Mutualink at the Marion Police Station. According to White, Sippican School does have Mutualink installed, but, in the case of an emergency, would have to use the Mattapoisett Police Station as a resource point, White said.
“[The committee is] very receptive to what we’ve presented and want to support [us],” said White. “It all depends on the funds and the requests of other departments and where this falls in their priority list.”
The next meeting of the Marion School Committee is scheduled for January 9 at 6:30 pm at Sippican School.
Marion School Committee
By Jean Perry