Published: June 08, 2008 12:31 am      

When it comes to the Internet, E-Rate is an ‘equalizer’

Sen. Rockefeller committed to helping schools, libraries across state

West Virginia’s schools and libraries will get help for the 10th year in a row from U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller. This year, $645,622 is being allotted to Eastern Panhandle schools and libraries to help gain and keep access to the Internet.

Rockefeller co-authored the program, called E-Rate, to provide state schools and public libraries resources to help fund the costs of linking to the Internet. This year, establishments in Berkeley, Grant, Hampshire, Hardy, Jefferson. Mineral, Morgan and Pendleton counties are receiving shares of the money. E-Rate has changed the way the school districts and libraries keep Internet services by providing a discount on telecommunication.

Rockefeller described what E-Rate aims to do and how the company helps the schools selected in a press release.

“E-Rate serves as an equalizer. It reaches schools and libraries in every corner of West Virginia, making sure no one is left behind in this age of information,” he said.

This year, school districts in Grant, Hampshire, Hardy, Mineral and Morgan counties and libraries in Capon Bridge, Piedmont and Grant, Hardy, Mineral, Morgan and Pendleton counties all received money as part of the grant. Exact figures for each institution can be found at http://rockefeller.senate.gov.

Mineral County School District received the largest portion of the money, $185,825, and Steve Peer, who is the associate superintendent and treasurer, feels that without it, the school districts would suffer.

“It helps us to access more technology and it’s available to the students. It’s a big boost. It’s a shame more counties don’t take advantage of it,” said Peer.

In Mineral County, the money comes in a reimbursement form, which depends on the free and reduced-lunch program. The reimbursement is used in paying for local Internet service, computers, switches, routers and the infrastructure.

The only problem with discounted rates and money is no wireless access switch is allowed to be opened, thus the Internet is not available outside the school walls.

Grant County Library received $1,785 for its Internet service and upkeep.

“We are all very pleased that Senator Rockefeller continues to support the libraries and schools,” said Barbera Carr, director of the Grant County Library.

Although Carr is not exactly sure what they are going to do with the money, she said that it might go toward buying laptops.