DEPARTMENT: Pre-K 4 SA
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Sarah Baray, Ph.D.
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
iPads and Broadband Internet Service for Remote Learning
SUMMARY:
This item requests Board action to approve the purchase of 800 iPads and broadband internet services in an amount not to exceed $447,600.00; and appropriates funding from the FY 2021 Pre-K 4 SA fund balance in an amount not to exceed $489,800.00, for all previously ordered iPads and new purchases, to support remote learning in response to COVID-19.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Due to the uncontrolled spread of COVID-19 throughout Bexar County, Pre-K 4 SA announced on July 17, 2020 that in-person instruction would be delayed, and classes for the 2020-2021 academic year would begin on August 17, 2020 with 100% remote learning. This decision was made in consultation with Pre-K 4 SA’s advising physician, whose guidance is consistent with the broader medical community in recommending that implementation of in-person classes be delayed until community spread has stabilized. This is also consistent with a health directive issued by the San Antonio Metro Health Medical Director on July 17, 2020, requiring that schools not re-open for on-campus, face-to-face instruction until after September 7, 2020.
When in-person instruction does resume, classroom capacity will be capped at 50% (250 per center, 1,000 total). The remaining 1,000 seats will be reserved for remote learning. The cap of 50% in-person enrollment aligns not only with strategies for minimizing potential spread of COVID-19, but also with requests from families. When families were surveyed about their plans for the upcoming year, roughly 50% requested in-person instruction and 50% indicated they’d prefer a remote instruction option. Over the last several weeks, the Pre-K 4 SA enrollment team has been contacting families directly to confirm their instructional preference for the fall semester. A majority of families that indicated an interest in the remote learning option have also indicated a need for a device to support remote learning from home.
Pre-K 4 SA has approximately 100 iPads in its current inventory, and placed an order for 100 additional iPads through ITSD on July 28, 2020 at an amount of $42,200. This cost of already ordered iPads is included in overall funding appropriation amount. An additional 800 devices and broadband internet service are needed to support the 1,000 students Pre-K 4 SA anticipates enrolling remotely.
None of the iPads currently owned by Pre-K 4 SA or that will potentially be purchased by Pre-K 4 SA include data packages (i.e., the iPads are ‘WiFi only’). While some Pre-K families have access to in-home broadband internet that will provide the iPads with the connectivity needed to for remote instruction, some families still need access to broadband in their homes. As a result, Pre-K 4 SA intends to assist families in need of broadband internet services through direct payment to the service provider, which would end on or before June 31, 2021.
ISSUE:
This item requests approval to purchase 800 iPads and broadband internet services in an amount not to exceed $447,600.00; and appropriate funding from the FY 2021 Pre-K 4 SA fund balance in an amount not to exceed $489,800.00, for all previously ordered iPads and new purchases, to support remote learning in response to COVID-19.
ALTERNATIVES:
If the Board does not approve the purchase of iPads and broadband internet access, and associated funding appropriation, Pre K 4 SA families requesting remote instruction for the Fall of the 2020-2021 school year may be able to participate in the Pre-K 4 SA program.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This item authorizes Pre-K 4 SA to purchase 800 iPads and broadband internet access in an amount not to exceed $447,600.00. Additionally, this item appropriates funding from the FY 2021 Pre-K 4 SA fund balance in an amount not to exceed $489,800.00, for all previously ordered iPads and new purchases, to support remote learning in response to COVID-19.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval to purchase 800 iPads and broadband internet services in an amount not to exceed $447,600.00, and approval to appropriate funding from the FY 2021 Pre-K 4 SA fund balance in an amount not to exceed $489,800.00, for all previously ordered iPads and new purchases, to support remote learning in response to COVID-19.