Residents, nonprofit urge Siler City to consider public Wi‑Fi to close digital divide

A representative of Communities In Schools (CIS) told Siler City officials that many local students lack reliable home internet, leaving them unable to complete online assignments and disconnecting parents from school communications. "Nearly every communication between teachers, students, and parents now relies on digital access," the CIS director said, urging the city to consider long‑term solutions to the digital divide.

The CIS director described a hotspot program and partnerships that have helped some families participate in virtual tutoring and complete homework, but said the nonprofit cannot meet growing demand and ongoing costs are unsustainable without broader community investment. "When students and parents are connected, outcomes improve across education and the community," they said.

During a brief question‑and‑answer period, a council member asked whether CIS had solicited private philanthropy; the director said CIS had not reached out to the individual named but would consider pursuing corporate donations and existing subsidized programs. Another speaker from the public suggested the city pursue private‑sector partners that could donate services in public areas, noting potential tax incentives for such contributions.

The presentation did not include a formal city directive or vote. City staff and council members were given the opportunity to ask questions; no funding or specific city action was recorded in the transcript. The discussion concluded with CIS asking for a "shared commitment" from the city and partners to develop longer‑term accessibility and training for residents.

Next steps: the transcript records no formal motion or vote on a public‑Wi‑Fi initiative; council follow‑up (if any) was not recorded in the provided segment.