District officials continue to distribute Chromebooks to students throughout the 2020-21 school year. (Courtesy Cy-Fair ISD)
By the end of the first semester of 2020-21, all CFISD Connect students who requested a device and all high school students in the district had received their own Chromebooks.
Officials said the program has not only helped remote students access their schoolwork, but personalized learning opportunities have also increased as teachers incorporate technology into lessons regularly.
“Students are no longer limited to engaging with academic content during the school day. Through the digital platform Schoology, students are able to access instructional content 24-7,” said Paula Ross, assistant superintendent of technology and information services.
District officials said 59.4% of elementary students and 48.4% of middle school students had been issued their devices as of Jan. 28. Prioritization of the distribution of remaining Chromebooks is based on availability and the economically disadvantaged population at campuses, Ross said.
When the board of trustees approved the $44 million project in July, district officials planned to have all devices issued to students by the end of the first semester. However, the supply chain has slowed the process.
Ross said purchase orders have been issued for about 89% of the amount of funds set aside for the CFISD Learning Together Everywhere 1:1 program—$40 million came from bond funds, and $4 million came from the district’s general fund.
“Supply chain delays have caused device delivery delays,” Ross said. “The remaining balance of our initial order is scheduled to ship in February 2021.”
