Mississippi Department of Education to provide technology devices to public school districts

In response to providing all public school students with technology to learn from school and home, all public school districts in Mississippi have submitted plans to the Mississippi Department of Education.

As part of their MDE program called Mississippi Connects, the Mississippi Legislature has allocated $200 million for two new laws for the program.

“So basically what the legislature was trying to do was provide devices for students and teachers. There’s two separate bills, there’s a Senate bill and a House bill,” says Director of Technology Tim Boutwell, MPSD.

The Senate bill provides $150 million to school districts to pay for computer devices for students and teachers and also provide professional development to teachers; while the House bill provides $50 million to districts to help expand internet access to students living in underserved areas.

The Meridian Public School District is in the process of making purchases.

“Students devices-we requested 2,486 chromebooks, 396 Windows laptops for teachers and 930 iPads for lower grades. We do plan on purchasing some promethean panels for classrooms and other tools that will assist in providing digital learning.”

According to a release from the Mississippi Department of Education, they have already begun providing virtual learning professional development with school districts in the state to sustain digital learning. The MDE says computer devices are expected to be delivered from late September through November.