Public-private partnerships (P3s/PPPs) may soon take a significant turn. Historically, these types of collaborations have involved infrastructure projects. That appears to be changing! In the near future, technology upgrades in public school districts may be the hot new area for P3s. And the new funding is likely to come from private-sector companies, charitable foundations, impact investors, federal grants and crowdsourcing. Public-private partnerships in areas outside of infrastructure will be smaller in size but more abundant.
Educational leaders are quick to explain that their budgets simply can no longer keep up with technology demands in classrooms. Learning is now digital and while some school districts can access funding for “active learning classrooms,” digital curriculum, mobile devices, Wi-Fi and fast networks, most can’t.
Photo by the U.S. Department of Education licensed under CC BY 2.0
To educators, it is painfully obvious that state allocations, local taxes and federal funding will not be adequate in the foreseeable future for critically needed technology enhancements. And because elected officials at all levels of government are promising “no new taxes and no new fees,” educators must find new ways to fund computers, mobile devices, technology training for teachers and digital curriculum.
A recent survey conducted by the Consortium for School Networking indicates that for the second consecutive year, broadband, wireless access and mobile learning are among the top technology concerns. And for the second consecutive year, the #1 hindrance is a lack of resources and rigid budget constraints. Without funding, technology-enabled learning environments cannot exist.
The report, conducted by the nonprofit EducationSuperHighway, acknowledged that during the previous two years, progress was made and more public school classrooms gained Internet connectivity. However, at least 21 million students in U.S. schools still lack broadband connectivity – a critical necessity for effective digital learning.
Some school districts seek funding through bond elections. Just last weekend, a number of Texas schools were successful in passing bond referendums. Technology spending was a big part of the bond packages.
The Coppell ISD was pleased that voters approved a $249 million bond package. It included $34.5 million for technology infrastructure and equipment. An $86 million bond issue passed by voters in the Manor ISD includes $17 million for technology-based spending.
One of the largest school bond proposals approved last weekend was the $220 million referendum in the McKinney ISD. At least $35 million is allocated for technology spending. Another of the larger school bond elections was held in Plano, where voters said yes to a $481 million bond that included $73.9 million for district-wide technology improvements.
Some states face unique facility challenges when it comes to technology upgrades. In Rhode Island, the state mandated computer science education for all of its public schools. But, installing new technology in old school facilities is never easy. Aging electrical wiring presents huge problems. One of the largest school districts is trying to provide enhanced technology by using hundreds of power strips and extension cords.
Nearly 90 percent of the educators who responded to the survey said that within the next three years, 50 percent of their instructional materials will probably be digital. Without increases in school budgets, funding must come from new sources and many of those are likely to involve collaboration and private-sector capital.
At stake is the educational success of American students, the future of the U.S. workforce and the nation’s global competitiveness. Collaboration, partnering alliances and private-sector capital look like attractive options when compared with the negative reality of what will be lost if U.S. schools do not stay current with technology and prepare students for a digital world.
SPI’s team of government affairs consultants are expert in public-private partnerships. Contact them today.