POUGHKEEPSIE – The Poughkeepsie City School District is expanding the number of Chromebooks for use by students in the distance-learning environment thanks to a $125,000 grant secured by State Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson (D, Newburgh.
A ceremonial check presentation by Jacobson took place Wednesday afternoon in the office of Superintendent Dr. Eric Rosser.
Until now, one device was provided to each family.
“We are in phase two of the distribution of our Chromebooks. What we will be doing in phase two is distributing Chromebooks to additional students in the household,” he said.
“It is essential, when remote learning is becoming the new normal, that the students of Poughkeepsie have the essential tools to learn. Even when in-person classes resume, these personal laptops are necessary for the students to learn and prepare to work in the 21stCentury,” said Jacobson.
“Given the extreme digital divide that exists in many of our communities, the Chromebooks will serve as a bridge for students living in impoverished communities to have access to meaningful instruction,” said Rosser. “This not only supports our students during remote learning but will serve as the foundation for Poughkeepsie district to integrate technology into the instructional program once we transition back to instructing students in school.”
Jacobson, taking note the economic climate brought about by COVID-19 and the inability of the United States Senate to move forward with another round of funding, said, “I understand the fiscal restraints that all school districts, especially Poughkeepsie, are facing, and I am glad to pay a part in meeting this challenge.”