RI Schools, Libraries May Lose Internet Access

The discovery of a $600,000 shortfall in state funds may cut off some Web services

By Debra Lau Whelan -- School Library Journal, 9/1/2004

The Rhode Island Department of Education may pull the plug on Internet access at several school and public libraries, following the discovery of a $600,000 shortfall in state funds intended to pay for the service. It's still unclear how many kids might be affected, but the state's 330 public schools serve about 180,000 students.

Telecommunications companies like Verizon and Cox underwrite about half of the $4.5 million cost for high-speed lines to the state's 600 schools and libraries. The remainder comes from state funds, which are matched by federal dollars under the E-rate program.

The $600,000 deficit, which resulted from miscalculating a surcharge on all Rhode Island telephone lines, means the department could lose a total of $1.2 million next year, says William Fiske, the department's technology coordinator. As a result, Internet service, which is needed to access crucial library resources, provide important distance-learning opportunities to students, and carry live, interactive videoconferencing projects, might be in jeopardy, Fiske adds.

In response to the discovery, Peter McWalters, the department's commissioner of elementary and secondary education, and his staff are scrambling to find revenue to make up for the shortfall. What are the options? In the worst-case scenario, Internet service at several schools and libraries would be cut off. But another telecommunications provider could come to the rescue or the General Assembly could hold an emergency session to come up with the funds, says Elliot Krieger, a department spokesman.

A 26-cent surcharge was added to all state telephone lines last January. But by spring, Fiske says he sensed that it wasn't enough to cover the $600,000 and asked to extend the surcharge to wireless phones. State legislators denied his request.

The good news is that students can still expect Internet service when they return to school this fall: the department has enough funds to pay for online service until January.