Construct a 21st Century Technology Learning   Center

I propose a 21st Century Technology Learning Center that would be available to any DC Public School student and would incorporate the latest in instructional technology methods. The school would encompass the goals that I have just discussed to make the District's children the leaders of tomorrow. In order for the Learning Center to be a success, I will call upon the business, not- for-profit, and community organizations to work in partnership with the District government in making the school a reality for our city.

The facility should be located east of the river. A final site will be selected through a community planning process that is organized to take community input and make recommendations to the Mayor and City Council.

The 21st Century Technology Learning Center will include the following:

1. The latest in technologies in each classroom (e.g., all classrooms will be wired with LAN capabilities and internet access);
2. Technology and science labs;
3. Distance learning facilities (e.g., modern television and satellite equipment);
4. An auditorium with an advanced multi-media room capability;
5. Computers clusters that are equipped with state-of-the-art educational learning devices; and,
6. Modern athletic facilities.

The types of programs initiated by the 21st Century Technology Learning Center include:

1. Mentoring programs from partnered businesses and community groups;
2. School-to-work networking programs modeled after other successful programs around the country;
3. Labor market demand programs that give the District's children a competitive edge over the growing technology labor pool in the region; and,
4. Education and Hi-tech programs that will prepare adults for the 21st Century labor market.

Funding Facts:

There are three options to consider for funding the learning center:

1. The construction of the learning center can be financed through the District’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP). It would be a modest investment because it only constitutes 5% of the District's 6 year Capital Improvement Program. (Total CIP is $600 million for 6 years.)
2. The learning center could be financed partially by through the District’s CIP and partially through the surplus.
3. The learning center can be funded through a one-time, $30 million allocation of DC Lottery proceeds.
4. Staffing for adult programs can be provided by the University of the District of Columbia.

Funding the new center will not adversely impact the DC Public School’s Capital Improvement Program. In other words, none of the capital dollars set-aside and earmarked for the public school’s CIP will used for the construction of the building. Also, there will be no additional operating costs to maintain the school because enrollment will be derived from the DC Public Schools.

Detailed Cost Analysis:

1. The school will be equipped for 1,000 students.
2. Construction of the building will run from $23-$28 million, based on estimates from surrounding jurisdictions.
3. Partnerships with businesses decrease the costs of equipping the school with the latest technologies:
   1. $50,000 donation is needed to wire each classroom and connect the multi-media center to each classroom
   2. $3 million worth of donations will buy 1,200 computers at $2,500 each.
   3. $3-$5 million worth of equipment for distance learning and science and technology lab equipment.
4. I will ask for partnerships from businesses such as Dell, Gateway 2000, Compaq, Bell Atlantic, AT&T, SONY, American Online, and Microsoft.