Boone County Commission discusses CARES Act spending for schools

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Boone County Commission discussed CARES Act funding to potentially make internet hotspots available to students in Boone County.

All six public school districts in the county made requests for the hotspots to provide better internet connection for students.

In all, the commission discussed purchasing 1,400 internet hotspots that would be spread out amongst the schools.

Boone County Southern District Commissioner Fred Parry said students will have to request a hotspot from their school and wait for approval from the district.

"We have a lot of children who attend our schools in rural Boone County that once they leave the school building they do not have good internet access," Parry said.

A Columbia parent and teacher, Katie Ann Sipho, said even though online learning will be difficult, she thinks this will be a huge help for students.

"I think there are still other difficulties of navigating online learning that students will have to face," she said. "But it’s a huge step in making sure all students have equal access to virtual education."

The request will cost $322,000 and money will come from CARES Act funding.

"This is not the perfect solution but a good temporary solution. We will continue to focus on improving broadband coverage in Boone County, but in the meantime, due to the nature of online learning this seemed like a pretty critical need," Parry said.

The Boone County Commission will have the second reading on Thursday. If approved, school districts will be allowed to order equipment for the fall.