Officials say they need nearly $200 million more to bridge digital divide

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — With many schools starting the academic year with virtual learning, the digital divide is still a big concern.

Some districts, like HISD, have already delayed in-person learning, meaning they will only have school virtually.

Virtual learning requires student have access to a computer and an internet connection. The concern is if students don’t have a computer, they won’t get the opportunity to learn.

Through the CARES Act, the state provided the Texas Education Agency with $1.3 billion.

The TEA is providing $200 million statewide for Operation Connectivity, an effort to provide technology to students.

The county’s COVID-19 Recovery Czar says that’s not enough.

“The state has resources, has CARES Act money as we speak. So I implore them, I implore them, thank you for the first $200 million, we need another 2 or 300 more million to bridge that digital divide,” said Harris County’s COVID-19 Recovery Czar Armando Walle.

The TEA said not only are they allocating $200 million for Operation Connectivity, they are also working to get matching funds of up to another $200 million dollars through public-private partnerships.

The TEA said that should help close the gap of the digital divide.

Fort Bend ISD is also hoping to bridge the gap.