BVA’s Dowell: Electronic devices will be available to all

By CHRISTINE HAINES

chaines@yourmvi.com

As the Belle Vernon Area School District prepares for the new school year, there are concerns about electronic devices and internet connections for the students.

Superintendent Dr. Michele Dowell said she is confident that every child who needs a device will have one — eventually. Devices purchased through grant programs are on order and the district may be receiving an additional 60 Chromebooks through a donation.

“While all the devices are ordered, getting them in may be a different issue,” Dowell said. “If someone needs a device, we will get them a device. If students can bring their own, that would be great.” 

Dowell said it will not be mandatory for students to bring their own devices, so parents don’t have to worry about sending expensive devices to school with their young elementary students.

Concerns were also raised about areas of the school district with limited access to the internet, especially those that are remote, so setting up a Wi-Fi-enabled hotspot van would not be a feasible way to reach multiple students. 

Dowell said one parent was able to get a free cell phone booster from her phone provider, and paired with a MiFi device, it met her child’s online needs. It was noted that option may not work if there are multiple students in a household.

Anyone with questions or concerns regarding any aspect of the start of school is encouraged to contact the building principal or Dowell, who said she has been doing her best to answer all questions presented to her. That includes nearly 200 questions which were posed by community members after the last Zoom board meeting.

“Stay tuned. The district is trying to do everything possible in a difficult situation,” said board President Joe Grata.

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