Unite Private Networks to build fiber network in Fort Osage School District

Fort Osage School District (FOSD), located in Independence, MO, has signed a long-term agreement with Unite Private Networks (UPN) to construct a fiber-optic network to connect its school facilities. The 12-mile-long network will connect all seven district facilities, including connections to the district data center, and provide 10 Gbps of bandwidth.

"Increased connectivity is the first step in our master plan to provide students greater access to technology," said Dr. Maria Fleming, FOSD assistant superintendent of education services. "One emerging reality that we've come to understand is that the use of a computer can't be a special opportunity reserved for only a portion of the school day or week, but rather a tool that's integral to the job of being a student... just as it is to most adults in this world."

Starting with the 2013 – 2014 school year, Fort Osage will be providing seventh grade students with Chrome notebook computers, and replace computer labs at elementary schools with Chrome book carts and iPads. These changes will double the availability of computers for student use, and allow teachers better access to technology within their classrooms. One early benchmark of the success of this effort will be students' use of technology on the Smarter Balanced Common Core assessment that will be taken by all third through eighth grade students beginning in 2015. This is an entirely computer-based assessment, and it’s imperative that access to a computer not be a barrier to student success, according to FOSD.

"As FOSD progresses on the path of digital learning and online assessments, the network will provide the bandwidth necessary to drive these applications and the platform for continued growth in the future," commented Linda Hammer, vice president of education sales at UPN.

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