To Bridge Digital Divide, Roanoke County Public Schools Will Provide Nearly 700 Hot Spots in 2020–21 School Year

“Internet service will be essential for students to access online instructional programs and digital materials,” Terry said, but not all families have access.

Terry said a recent comprehensive survey found 685 families — down from the original number of 800 surveyed earlier — don’t have internet access at home. That’s due to two issues, Superintendent Ken Nicely said: affordability and availability. A portion of students live in areas where there is no cellphone service, Terry said, which means a hot spot won’t work. For students who live in areas with cell reception, hot spots will allow students to complete online assignments without having to leave their home.

The board tentatively agreed to invoice the $70 monthly cost to parents of students who are not on free and reduced lunch if they want to use a hot spot, which would save the district money. Hot spot service for families who qualify for free and reduced lunch, which make up 70% of the 685 who need internet access, will be paid for by the school division.

“If the learning changes, I think we have an obligation to make sure they have all the tools available to succeed,” said Jason Moretz, who represents the Windsor Hills District. Although, he later said, “I don’t think we should be paying the monthly service for the parents who can afford it.”