Additionally, the school district will supply Chromebooks for students in kindergarten through second grade to use at school without sharing.
They will be able to send the technology home with students in the event of in-school closure and remote learning.
The district is currently two-to-one technology at Fairborn High School, but only during the day. That means there are two students for every one computer.
In June, the district got a $750,000 donation from an anonymous graduate, making it possible to give Chromebooks to more students.
“(The district) is so grateful for the donation for technology especially during this unprecedented time in public education. The anonymous donor has truly ‘paid it forward’ for the current students in the Fairborn City School District who will benefit from this incredible gift,” said Sue Brackenhoff, director of curriculum, instruction and assessment.
Superintendent Gene Lolli said that the district had a plan in place to go one-to-one with technology in the next few years, but this donation “really made this all possible.”
Students who choose to attend school in-person in the fall will have direct instruction from their teacher plus instruction and practice using Chromebooks.
These students will be ready for remote learning in the event that school is closed in the future, the district said in a media release.
Students who opt to do virtual school in the fall will now have the benefit of a district supplied Chromebook while at home. Lolli said the district plans to make the Chromebooks available to pick up for those students.
Fairborn City Schools will use the ERate program to improve the district’s internet infrastructure and connectivity. ERate is funding through the FCC and the funds will be available in the spring of 2021.
The improvements will ensure better internet coverage in and out of the classroom, said Emily Geisel, the district’s technology supervisor.
For families without internet access at home, WiFi is currently available on Main Street in Fairborn and at every school parking lot in the district.
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