North Central Austin Edition | August 2022

EDUCATION NEWS

2022 EDUCATION EDITION

Austin ISD’s Project Lighthouse to expand internet access for families

BY BEN THOMPSON

The project could eventually expand to 45 schools. The towers would be set up at no cost to the district, and instead would bring in revenue for the district by allowing carriers such as Verizon, TMobile and AT&T to rent portions of the poles—also improving access for all Austinites on those networks. John Greiner, AISD’s director of network support services, said Project Lighthouse is expected to help thousands of students. District 1 Council Member Nata- sha Harper-Madison said Project Lighthouse oers a solution to the inequitable internet access in Austin. AISD hopes to begin construction following city approval. The new towers could be active by the end of the year. path and vision based on the life path is important,” Sneed said in a July 28 district press release. He has been with AISD for the last 10 years of a more than 40-year career in law enforcement. His most recent role in the department was heading up the mental health and community engagement unit. “Safety is everyone’s top priority for our schools, and that’s why it’s critical to have a police chief in place before the start of school,” Mays said in the release. diversity and equity, having someone that has a dierent life Wayne Sneed

Nine schools will provide internet access within one mile of each Wi-Fi tower. PROJECT LIGHTHOUSE

AUSTIN ISD The district is moving forward with a proposal to install towers on campuses throughout the city to expand internet access for Austin ISD families. AISD kicked o Project Lighthouse last November when trustees signed o on a ve-year agreement with Branch Communications, paving the way for the company to install monopole antennas on its campuses. The towers, which would reach up to 120 feet tall, are expected to provide free internet within at least 1 mile of each pole. Following a recent pilot at Guerrero Thompson Elementary School and Gus Garcia Young Men’s Leadership Academy, the project will launch at nine campuses on AISD’s east side.

JOHNNY MORRIS RD.

290

NORTHEAST DR.

WESTMINISTER DR. WEBBERVILLE RD.

1 mile =

1 Andrews Elementary

ARTHUR STILES RD.

3 Blanton Elementary 4 Blazier Elementary 5 Houston Elementary 2 Barbara Jordan Elementary

HASKELL ST.

6 Liberal Arts and Science Academy

PONCIANA DR.

183

S. PLEASANT VALLEY

8 Oak Springs Elementary 9 Perez Elementary 7 Martin Middle School

VERTEX BLVD.

SOURCE: AUSTIN ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

E. SLAUGHTER LN.

District to build affordable housing

AISD names new chief of police

BY DARCY SPRAGUE

The former Anita Coy Facility site at 4900 Gonzales St., Austin, is almost 20 acres and can support 220 units or more. Strier said the housing would be open to all applicants that met the income criteria, including sta, families and teachers.

AUSTIN ISD This fall, the district will begin plans to construct aord- able housing on two of its proper- ties: the previous Rosedale school site and the Antia Coy facility. Austin ISD Director of Real Estate Jeremy Strier said the district will share plans with the community to get feedback. Rosedale School moved from its 2117 W. 49th St., Austin, location ahead of the 2022 year. The 4.62- acre site could support 20 or more homes, depending on the type of home—owner or rental, single- or multifamily.

BY ZACH KEEL

AUSTIN ISD Interim Superinten- dent Anthony Mays named Wayne Sneed chief of the Austin ISD police department July 28. The police lieutenant took over the role starting Aug. 1. The department’s former head, Ashley Gonzalez, left the position in May to become the chief of police in Brookline, Massachusetts. Sneed will be AISD’s rst Black chief of police. “When we start trying to represent

Housing on converted campuses

MANSELL AVE.

Anita Coy Facility

Rosedale

WOODROW AVE.

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NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • AUGUST 2022