Monterey School Administrators Excited At Broadband Expansion Prospect

Putnam County’s broadband expansion plan brings a huge opportunity for Monterey students.

Monterey High School Assistant Principal Ben Novak said with such a reliance on the internet, it is a necessity to make sure students have a good connection. When the pandemic first began, Novak said many students had to use hot spots and even the Monterey Public Library’s wi-fi in order to complete school work.

“You know slow internet connections, I know I’ve talked to students in the past where it’s very difficult for them to stay on top of things and stay engaged with their school work,” Novak said. “So having that fast internet is going to connect them a lot quicker to make them have so much better an experience.”

Novak said in addition to having a more engaging learning experience, the broadband project also offers an opportunity to increase participation in dual enrollment programs. He said by bettering internet connection, students will be better positioned to do online coursework for such programs.

Novak said while the system is ecstatic about the possibilities of better internet access, he knows it’s not a quick fix. The current expected timeline for the broadband expansion is 30 months.

Burks Elementary Principal Heather Tinch said we live in a world where having internet access is on the list of prioritized needs.

“I think that our families can definitely benefit from having access to broadband,” Tinch said. “And obviously having that is going to give them better internet in their home so they can have greater access to materials.”