Two BISD middle schools join Verizon Innovative Learning Schools cohort; district to receive devices and training

Chris Oursley, director of digital learning and library services, and a Digital Promise representative told the board that Bastrop ISD has been accepted into cohort 12 of the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools (VILS) program for two campuses: Bastrop Middle School and Cedar Creek Middle School.

The presenters said the multi-year partnership with Verizon and Digital Promise provides devices (Chromebooks) with built-in cellular connectivity, leadership training for administrators and teachers, funding for campus technology coaches and IT support, and a student tech team to build digital-citizenship capacity.

"So without further ado, I wanna announce that we're in. Bastrop ISD joins cohort 12 with Bastrop Middle School and Cedar Creek Middle School," the Digital Promise representative said. The presenters said on-site interviews and visits informed the selection and that campuses not selected for the current cohort were offered an expedited application path for cohort 13.

Board members raised questions about device safety, digital balance, and total multiyear value; presenters said the district will continue existing digital-citizenship instruction, add contextual training for students using cellular-enabled devices, and provide follow-up information on the program's total monetary value.