thebulldan
join:2005-06-13
Bridgeport, PA
 ·Verizon FIOS
 ·Comcast
| E-Rate
We are a semi-urban suburban school district where I work in a depressed area. Without E-Rate we wouldn't have jack.
We use E-Rate moneys for ISP bills (not some T1 line, rather a 30 mbps symmetrical fiber line and it is not through an RBOC), switches, wireless gear, etc.
Due to our leverage of E-Rate money, we have one of the most advanced infrastructures in the Delaware Valley.
Just because a bunch of people can't do the right thing, doesn't mean that the E-Rate portion of the tax is useless. |
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stevephl
join:2000-11-27
Colorado Springs, CO
·Comcast
| What you mean is that you work in an area where the residents didn't have the fore thought to see the changing market place, learn new skills and re-invent themselves so they sit around complaining all of the time and do nothing and we are suppose to give up our hard earened money to them, I don't think so.
If I loose my job and cannot afford to pay the bills out goes the telco services with Internet plain and simple.
These people need to learn the same lesson and then become proactive and make changes in their life styles, find out what business are profitable and go for it. |
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thebulldan
join:2005-06-13
Bridgeport, PA
·Verizon FIOS
·Comcast
| I agree with the lack of poor planning from a municipal standpoint. Our District consists of a borough and 2 townships. The townships are relatively ok - based off of educational level, income, etc - but the borough is a tough situation.
We have a slew of immigrants (illegals mostly) who are living multiple families in single family homes. The property tax base is horrible. Many hard working individuals are forced to pay ridiculous property taxes just to subsidize the immigrant populations.
Maybe you haven't heard about the genius plan called No Child Left Behind that our good friend GW put into place. Teachers are now forced to use many online resources in order to teach kids to take tests.
I agree with your point in regards to if on a personal level we couldn't afford it, then out the window Internet would go, but this is not personal, it is public sector. Totally different than the private world!
Understanding the ridiculous standards (every child will be 100% proficient in math and reading by 2014) that our government has placed upon the public school systems shows why some of these organizations must use public funds to subsidize technology in the schools.
As for those school districts that have abused E-Rate, well shame on them, but at my place of work, it has been a great benefit. |
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wtansill
Ncc1701
join:2000-10-10
Falls Church, VA
1 edit | reply to stevephl
said by stevephl  :These people need to learn the same lesson and then become proactive and make changes in their life styles, find out what business are profitable and go for it. Talk to me when you hit 50-55 or so and instead of planning for your retirement you are desperately trying to avoid bankruptcy, trying to learn new skills, and interviewing for a new job because your employer packed up and left with no warning. You can't move because 80% of the town is now unemployed, and no one can afford buy your house (which is due to go to foreclosure next week, BTW).
Or, talk to me when "life issues", maybe grave illness or death in the family have saddled you with responsibilities such that it's all you can do to keep going day to day and there is no chance for long-range planning or savings.
If you've faced either of these situations (or others too numerous to mention), then come back and tell me how easy it is to plan ahead. Until then, please study up on compassion and leave your attitude at home.
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That which does not kill me merely prolongs the agony. |
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