Page 57 - Superintendent Annual Report 2023-24

Figure 2
FY24 Re-Engagement Outreach Data

Texts

Home Visits

Contact Method Meet at School
Letters

Phone Calls

Emails

0 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000

Number of Outreach Attempts

Digital Inclusion Initiative

The District’s Digital Inclusion initiative is making progress in ensuring all students have internet access at home. The
initiative utilizes a two-phased approach:

Phase One: Providing Immediate Solutions
Starting in 2020, the District’s partnership with Comcast and T-Mobile enabled us to provide District-funded internet
access to students using 620 Comcast Internet Essentials sponsorships and 3,423 T-Mobile hotspots. During the FY24
school year, 377 families used a Comcast Internet Essentials sponsorship, and 589 used a T-Mobile hotspot. On June 30,
2024, T-Mobile hotspots were deactivated, and Comcast sponsorships were transitioned to self-pay plans. Schools and
families were informed about additional programs offering affordable home internet access for those who qualify.

Phase Two: Building a Long-Term Solution
Our long-term solution for providing internet access is a Wi-Fi mesh network, currently under construction. FY24
deployments of Wi-Fi extenders in September 2023 and March 2024 have benefited 273 Lake Park ES students and 895
students in the Town of Lantana. The District distributed 1,795 Wi-Fi extenders to our students, with further deployments
planned as the Wi-Fi mesh network expands.

The collective efforts of Palm Beach County, The Education Foundation of Palm Beach County, dedicated volunteers, and
community partners are vital in helping the District bridge the digital divide.

EDUCATE | AFFIRM | INSPIRE 57