Technology has become more critical for student success during the coronavirus pandemic.

From laptops to internet access, some students – particularly those in rural, underserved areas – have faced challenges when utilizing virtual instruction opportunities.

Wayne County Manager Craig Honeycutt had been in touch with WCPS Assistant Superintendent Dr. Tim Harrell and was able to provide an update on the county’s technology needs during the pandemic during the last county commissioner meeting.

As of the August 18th meeting, Honeycutt says the Wayne County school district had 489 requests for personal hotspots for students and WCPS was working to get about 11,000 Chromebooks total that would be handed out to students that need them.

Much of the remote learning equipment had to be back-ordered.

Honeycutt says the pilot program school bus Wi-Fi hotspots did not work out as planned.

However, the county was in the process of rebidding the bus hotspot project.

Honeycutt says there is also slow progress on the county’s effort to bring broadband internet access to underserved areas.

The Wayne County Board of Commissioners has also passed a budget amendment to help with a new tower that will provide broadband internet access in the Dudley area.