In light of the recent flooding that has devastated many areas across the state, members of the Leadership West Virginia Alumni Education Committee have collaborated with state leaders and community organizations to help raise funds and secure replacement technology for schools within the impacted areas.
“While we don’t have a clear assessment of the losses our schools have suffered with regard to technology, we do know there are a number of schools that have been completely devastated,” said Sterling Beane, chief information officer of the West Virginia Department of Education.
In addition to the infrastructure, equipment such as routers, printers, copiers and other devices such as iPads, laptops and smartboards have been destroyed by the flood waters.
Initial assessments estimate that nearly 30 school facilities–impacting nearly 63,000 students–in five counties have been impacted with damages ranging from minor to severe. Counties include Braxton, Clay, Greenbrier, Kanawha and Nicholas. Funds raised will go directly to schools to purchase technology equipment that is not covered by insurance or other emergency funding, Beane added.
“We are committed to helping with the replacement of technology in the schools affected by flooding by offering support to the West Virginia Department of Education,” said Alisha Maddox, LWV alumni education committee co-chair. “There is an immense and urgent need to secure funding and technology so that our schools can be operational as quickly as possible.”
The LWV Alumni Education Committee has also partnered with The Education Alliance to collect financial donations that are specific to education and technology restoration.
The Education Alliance is a nonprofit organization that serves schools in West Virginia. To make a financial contribution, please visit http://floodsofsupport.com. There is an option that will allow you to note for the funding to go toward technology specifically.
Additionally, if any business or person has equipment such as desktop computers, servers, printers, laptops, iPads, routers and any other technology-related items they would like to donate, please contact David Cartwright by August 1, 2016 by phone at 304-558-8869 or by email at dcartwri@k12.wv.us.
