$5 Million to Continue Linking Schools, Libraries to the Connecticut Education Network

Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell announced today that $5 million in additional funding for a state-of the-art communications network linking K-12 public schools, college campuses and libraries throughout the state is expected to be approved later this month by the State Bond Commission.

The initiative, known as the Connecticut Education Network (CEN), connects all of the state's 166 school districts and all of Connecticut's public and private higher education institutions.

The state's bond funds will be combined with $5.5 million in federal assistance awarded to the State in January. The assistance -- through the federal Universal Service Fund (e-rate) program -- will enable the state to continue payments on its long term investment on the Connecticut Education Network.

Governor Rell also noted that progress is being made in the development of online resources for teachers and students. The CEN includes links to online lesson plans and activities for teachers, including internet-based lessons, and professional development tools.

"This site helps parents, students and educators," the Governor said. "Parents can access online resources help to prepare their children for kindergarten and to help their children become better readers. Students can access online homework help. CEN includes an online teacher discussion board to help teachers collaborate and share ideas. It also includes information about how to stay safe when using the Internet."

The CEN is managed by the State of Connecticut Department of Information Technology (DOIT).