Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar announced that a $698,044.48 grant will be awarded to the Seguin Independent School District through the Schools and Libraries Program of the Universal Service Fund, commonly known as “E-rate.”  This federal program will provide Seguin Independent School District funding for internet access, telecommunication services, internal connections, and basic maintenance of internal connections.

The funding will help the district in connecting with the Distance Learning Highway in cooperation with the Region XIII Education Service Center. The grant will also provide financial assistance for maintenance and technical support for networking equipment such as routers and network switches, servers, and a filter firewall.

“Seguin ISD is very pleased to have received the E-Rate funding for which we had applied,” said Dr. Irene Garza, Seguin ISD Superintendent. “We appreciate the assistance we receive from the E-Rate discounts for major initiatives such as our Wide Area Network and Internet access. E-Rate funding makes it possible for our district to achieve our goal of maintaining a comprehensive technology plan to include infrastructure, connectivity, hardware, and software.”

In addition, the funding will help the district purchase PBX telephone systems at five campuses, part of an overall effort the district took on several years ago to replace the systems at each campus. 

“Having the upgraded telephone systems is an integral part of the district’s communication network, in part, for effective communication between teacher and parent, for efficient business practice, as well as for safety and security reasons,” said Dr. Irene Garza.

“E-rate provides our schools with the very best in technological resources that are crucial to students’ future success, and I am proud that I have helped secure funds to benefit our youth in Seguin,” said Congressman Henry Cuellar. “I also want to thank the superintendent, the school board trustees and the district staff for their dedication and hard work.”

E-rate is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) under the direction of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). E-rate is one of four support programs funded through a Universal Service fee charged to companies that provide interstate and/or international communication services.

“Through my own experience, I have realized the importance of a quality education and its bearing on being successful later in life.  As a father and a Member of Congress, helping to provide the best possible resources to our children is a cause very close to my heart and a responsibility I take very seriously,” said Congressman Cuellar.

Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the House Homeland Security, Small Business, and Agriculture Committees in the 110th Congress; accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip.

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