MAY 23, 2008 -- Qwest Communications International Inc. (search for Qwest) has announced a multi-year agreement with the Highline School District to deliver services that connect and support the students, faculty, and staff of the 17,000-student, Burien, WA, district.
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The Highline School District installed super-high-speed Qwest GeoMax and Qwest Metro Optical Ethernet (QMOE) services in 35 locations, providing increased access to advanced applications, including real-time streaming video sessions and multi-location information sharing. This network will enable "virtual classrooms," providing better use of district resources and improving student access to advanced curriculum. Qwest says it is also providing Internet and long-distance and has designed business continuity plans to support safety preparedness in the event of man-made or natural disasters.
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The Highline School District is utilizing funds from the federal E-Rate program--the Schools and Libraries Universal Service Support Mechanism--to deploy these services. The program provides discounts to assist U.S. schools and libraries in obtaining affordable communications access. Qwest worked closely with the district officials to maximize the resources available to the district under the program.
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"As long-time advocates of education, Qwest works closely with school districts nationwide to provide leading technology and current information on funding resources," contends Tom Richards, executive vice president, Qwest Business Markets Group. "Online learning and school safety were key for the Highline School District, so we designed a solution to support these priorities."
"It's important that technology support a curriculum--not drive it," adds Mark Finstrom, technology director for the Highline School District. "With Qwest's platform, we're improving how students learn, teachers teach, and staff operates with redundant systems, a high-speed technology platform, and comprehensive business continuity plans."
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