The Jackson County Schools received a nearly $1 million grant to help increase technology available at its four schools.
Jackson County Director of Schools Jason Hardy told the School Board Thursday night the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) Grant from the USDA will be a blessing. Hardy said the grant will allow the system to improve its Distance Learning programs.
“When you get grant money that goes above and beyond what your state funded and your local government is funding you, it just allows for more opportunities to students,” Hardy said. “And with all the grants we seek out, that’s the heart and soul of what we are looking for. How does this grant money, how does it affect students, and how does it make it more positive environment for them to learn.”
Hardy said the grant will fund new computers, new screens, and new technology to the district. Hardy said the funding will be split among the district’s four schools, as well as the alternative site.
He said the school system was fortunate to receive the grant.
“It’s not something everybody gets,” Hardy said. “It took a lot of work and a lot of time and this is a process that we started not too far from this time last year. So last spring and worked on it all spring and a little bit in the summer and just recently found out we were one of the award winners across the nation.”
Hardy said that rural counties often face significant barriers when it comes to access to technology and screens. About 40 percent of rural Americans report having limited access to high-speed internet, which directly affects their ability to fully participate in online education, remote work, and other digital services according the the PEW research center.
“Just a way for rural counties, that a lot of times, have trouble with the funding for distance learning,” Hardy said. “This grant will be used in that manner and will be very welcome to Jackson County students.
In other business, the school system purchased two vehicles to transport students in the CTE program. Hardy said the two vehicles together were a sum of $119,600. Hardy said the school system will pay for the vehicles using grant funding.
The board approved multiple field trips and fundraisers. Hardy also reviewed the last ESSER fund report with the board.
