FCC Reviews E-Rate Funding for North Dakota Schools
- Reports
- 2
- Developments
- 1
- Repetition
- 50%
New informationRepeats or wire copies
What happened
The Federal Communications Commission is reviewing the E-Rate program, a federal initiative that provides between $2.5 million and $4 million annually to help cover broadband and network hardware costs for schools and libraries in North Dakota. The FCC released a draft of the review in early June, followed by a draft for public comment in mid-August. If changes or a repeal occur, local and state governments could be required to cover the costs.
Why it matters
The program helps increase connectivity for schools, with North Dakota receiving $2.6 million last year. For example, Bismarck Public Schools receives between $350,000 and $780,000 through the program on a five-year cycle. Superintendent Jeff Fastnacht of Bismarck Public Schools noted that having to collect these funds would impact taxpayers.
Who's involved
- Federal Communications CommissionConducting the review of the E-Rate funding program.
- North DakotaThe state where the E-Rate program provides funding to educational institutions.
- Bismarck Public SchoolsA school district in North Dakota that receives E-Rate funding.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- Bismarck Public SchoolsSpeculative
Bismarck Public Schools could face impacts to core operational budget/costs if E-Rate funding is lost.
- Bismarck High SchoolSpeculative
Bismarck High School might inherit funding risk from Bismarck Public Schools due to the E-Rate program review.
- North DakotaSpeculative
North Dakota could face increased costs to taxpayers if the state must cover the funding gap.
Keep exploring
The entities involved
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North Dakota
state of the United States of America
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Federal Communications Commission
independent U.S. government agency