The Iowa Association of School Boards applauds President Obama and Governor Branstad for making expansion of broadband access, in both urban and rural areas, a priority. President Obama, speaking in Cedar Falls Wednesday, stated “Today high-speed broadband is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.” For school districts, especially those in rural Iowa, high speed broadband is not readily available and it is vital for schools in order to meet the educational needs of students, as well as implement online assessments, including the new state assessment to be approved by the legislature this session.

Governor Branstad reinforced his commitment to expanded broadband, especially in rural areas. “Building a better Iowa means building Iowa for the future. It means investing in our state’s infrastructure. So, let’s invest in broadband internet.”

“We appreciate the Governor’s continued commitment to broadband in those areas least served by high speed internet,” said IASB Deputy Executive Director/CFO Galen Howsare, and member of the governor’s Iowa STEM Broadband Advisory Council.

Iowa schools board members went on record in November to support legislative action to help all schools with affordable, reliable high-speed internet access. “The President and White House numbers really hit home here – when they say that 94 percent of urban citizens but only 51 percent of rural citizens have access to high speed internet,” Howsare said. “IASB members believe this expansion in order to provide a 21st Century education. All of Iowa’s students, no matter their zip code, need access to fast broadband that allows information, digital resources and learning tools to be part of their learning.”

IASB is a private, nonprofit organization representing Iowa’s 338 school districts, 9 area education agencies and 15 community colleges.