As Spring ISD families get ready for the new school year, many might be wondering whether they have the bandwidth to support online coursework during Empowered Learning At-Home.

The district plans to distribute Chromebooks to students who need a device before the start of school on Aug. 17, when all students will be learning remotely until at least Sept. 11.

“We know internet connectivity can be an issue for students learning at home, so we’re looking at the different supports we might be able to provide, including hot spots,” said Information Technology Officer Jeff Kohrman. “But we also know there are some great deals out there on low-cost internet for families who qualify and that’s also a great option.”

Specifically, Comcast Internet Essentials is available for $9.95 a month and AT&T offers service for $10 a month. Both providers require an application for the plans, which are designed to assist families who might also qualify for public assistance programs such as the National School Lunch Program, Housing Assistance, Medicaid, SNAP and SSI.

“We’re going to continue to work with our families to find solutions for better internet,” Kohrman said. “We have Wi-Fi that extends into all of our campus parking lots, so that’s yet another way we’re trying to make sure people stay connected.”