State Representative Jarvis Johnson Donates Devices to Help Close Digital Divide

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Superintendent LaTonya M. Goffney (center) talked about the digital divide impacting families and thanked State Representative Jarvis Johnson (top, center) for the donation of CPUs. She lauded the Texas Legislative Black Caucus’ work to close the technology gap.

During a virtual press conference on Thursday, September 17, State Representative Jarvis Johnson presented Aldine ISD Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney with 100 CPUs to help the district close the digital divide.

A CPU is the core component of what defines a computing device. While it isn’t the sole component (e.g., monitor, mouse, and keyboard) — it is the brains of a computing device. Johnson represents many Aldine schools in his district. Johnson, a strong supporter of Goffney’s work, noted the great relationship his office has with her and the school district.

Johnson also represents parts of Houston ISD, Spring ISD, Cy-Fair ISD, Klein ISD, and Spring Branch ISD. He partnered with D.A.R.E. America to secure the computers.

“When our schools closed down last April, I saw how many students in my district had no computers or internet at home to participate in virtual school,” said Jarvis. “I saw the writing on the wall, and knew our students would lack the same access in the fall. With the generous donation from D.A.R.E. America, hundreds of students across the state will get some tools to close their digital divide.”

Goffney spoke about the technology gap in the U.S and in the Houston area, how the pandemic showed the extent of that divide between low-income areas and more affluent ones, and its impact on students. Due to supply, the district’s initial goal before the 2020-2021 school year was to ensure that each family had at least one computer. Understanding the many families have more than one student sharing a device, Aldine ISD’s new goal is to ensure every student has a computer, and in time, the district will get there.

“The COVID-19 crisis revealed the disparity of children who lack internet access and computers at home. Every student needs access to information and technology with or without a pandemic. Access helps connect students to the world, and it can enhance learning. I am thankful to State Representative Jarvis Johnson and his donation, which will benefit our students.”

According to Chief Business and Operations Chief Dr. Tamika Alford-Stephens, AISD will use the desktop CPUs for student use.

Johnson will be working with his colleagues at the Texas Legislative Black Caucus (TLBC) to distribute more than 500 computers to local districts. TLBC members Rep. Shawn Thierry, Rep. Ron Reynolds, and Rep. Senfronia Thompson were also present at the press conference. Johnson noted that the TLBC worked all summer to help bridge the digital divide hosting town halls about COVID-19 and public schools. Through his partnerships, Johnson also ensured his TLBC colleagues were able to help their constituents as well.

Representative Senfronia Thompson also represents parts of Aldine ISD, Houston ISD, Humble ISD, Sheldon ISD, and Spring ISD. She spoke about the need for devices and internet access.

“It is vital that we help our students access technology so they can continue to focus on their education during this pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has created new hurdles and disparities in our education system, and I look forward to working with my colleagues at the TLBC to address these disparities.”

Aside from Aldine ISD, several other school districts — Houston ISD, Spring ISD, Fort Bend ISD, and Stafford MSD — also received donations. Each state representative representing their school district made the announcement.