07/03/2012 15:19 2022251171 A. HASTINGS PAGE 01/01 Julius Genac~owski Chairman Federal Communications Commission 445 12th Street SW Washinston, DC 20554 RE: Palm Beaeh County Sehool District E-Rate Priority 2 Funding ALCEE L. HASTINGS 23flC CON~(\IQWlL DIITIIIl;T fLOIll,OA RULES COMMITTEE luICOPolMITTEF. ON LmI5LAnv," AND Buban PROe'.8" IIANI(ING MilloI'En UNITED STATeS HELSINI(I COMMISSION RANKING DIMDCAATIC MEMS!A F~OAIDA DE~EGATlON D!MOCRATIC C~AIRMAN &INIOIiI D!MOCAATIC WHIP Qtongres& of t~2 Inittb .tat2s i;OU.52 of i&.epu.52ntatiu2.5 mal1~ington. iGt aOSlS-0923 July 3,2012 o o o PLEAse RESPOND TO: 2353 A4"llUllN!vl.01NlJ W41MINQ''''''' DC: 2C1l115·0823 T"Ul~O),I': IIC,z) 2~~,'3'3 "",11: 12021 22&-1171 ~'01 W. O"KLA'IO ""1111 .nIJL~"'o\AO ;""1'1 200 F'.I.MlDl"D~Ll, l=I. 3331 1 Tm.IIIHQNr.: las"'l 73::H&QO ~,,_: 18641 1)!..fII4U OnJIAV ISIACtl t1T'V HAI.I. 100 NW l:';T AVWHtA Dr~n"'I' luG'. "I. 3344.4 TlLPMOI'IIiI !lUI' I :1,43·7042 Fu; tlS&'} ;;r43-1227 Dear Chairman Genachowski: I write in strong support ofFlorida's Palm Beach County School District application for 2012·13 B-Rate Priority 2 fundinll. ntis funding is critical to the students of Palm Beach County who have been severely affected by the economic downturn, and whose schools arc in desperate need ofinftastructure and technological upgrades. Incorporating technology into classroom curriculum can deeply improve a child's learning experience, and will also prepare them for the challenges of tomorrow. Unfortunately, Palm Beach County has faced severe challenges in its capacity to allow students to perform internet research, take mandated electronic end-of-eourse exams, and access the mandated digital STEM content, among other daily electronic activities critical for today's students. . The School District has benefitted from E-Rate Priority 1 funding but never from Priority 2, which is critiQiI in developing the proper infrastructure to deliver an appropriate technology-rich classroom experience. As you consider applications this year, I respectfully ask your full and fair evaluation of Palm Beach County School District's application, as it has not benefitted from Priority 2 funding in the past. It is clear to me that they arc in urgent need ofthe full amount of funding. Thanlc you for your consideration ofthis important project. I would like to be kept informed of the overall progress of this request, and when a decision will be made. Ifyou should have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 202-225·1313. PRINTED 0111 fl.eCVCU:D """IiA ~..