Schools report on broadband contract costs

All 129 Idaho school districts previously covered by the Idaho Education Network have negotiated new broadband Internet contracts to carry them through the rest of the current school year.

The total price tag for new services, which includes one-time setup costs and Internet coverage through June 30, is expected to be over $1.9 million. That’s more than $1.2 million less than what the state would have paid under the now defunct Idaho Education Network contract. Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter has already signed a bill which allocates just over $3.6 million from general funds to cover schools broadband Internet costs through the year.

According to a press release from the Office of Sherri Ybarra, Idaho’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, the Lgislature is working on plans for school broadband funding beyond the current 2015-2016 school year.

“The Legislature is now considering a bill that would extend the superintendent’s authority beyond this fiscal year, which ends June 30, and provide funding to reimburse districts for broadband costs in the next fiscal year,” Ybarra said in the release.

Kelly Everitt, communications specialist for the Idaho Department of Education, said the Legislature is holding off on setting the Department of Education budget, which would include funding measures for Internet services next year, until after a public school budget has been determined. Everitt said that some kind of plan for broadband Internet funding, at least through next year, will be necessary.

“They are going to have to do that before they leave,” said Everitt, “otherwise the schools will all go dark on July 1.”

Currently the public school budget is being held up as a controversial teacher salary restructure, known as the career ladder, makes its way through the Statehouse.

Idaho Chief Technology Officer Will Goodman was pleased with how well the transition to new Internet providers went.

“We want to compliment the vendors, some of whom are providing service at or below cost in order to help support schools in this difficult time,” said Goodman. “They were as concerned about the kids as everyone else in education.”

Goodman also praised Idaho school districts for their swift action.

“The districts did an incredible job getting their services switched quickly and at little disruption to the students.”

According to the Idaho Department of Education all of Idaho’s public schools were able to seamlessly transition to new plans.

While many school districts negotiated contracts with new Internet service providers, several opted to draft new contracts with the original providers, Education Network of America and Century Link.

Districts were instructed to find their own Internet service plans in February after CenturyLink threatened to pull the plug. CenturyLink did not carry out the threat but did issue a press release stating that they expect to be paid for services rendered.  

“… Our primary focus is on the students of Idaho who have become dependent on these services,” CenturyLink officials said in the release. “We committed to work with the governor, state leaders and ENA to find a path forward that continues providing this essential service to Idaho students and teachers without interruption, and addresses our need for payment for all services delivered.”  

The state is legally bound and cannot pay on the contracts after they were deemed void by district courts. CenturyLink and Education Network of America have filed legal claims against Idaho for back payments on services provided.