Episode 270 - E‑Rate Under Fire: FCC Proposal Could Reshape School Internet Funding

On this week’s episode of the K‑12 Tech Talk podcast Josh and Mark dig into a packed news round-up and sit down with Joey Wender, Executive Director of the Schools, Health, and Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition, to discuss a wide‑ranging FCC notice that could fundamentally change, or even threaten, the E‑Rate program. Joey walks us through the FCC’s proposed rulemaking, explains why the item raises existential questions about E‑Rate (including whether support should be limited to rural areas), and outlines next steps for districts and librarians: the FCC comment windows, advocacy resources (including SaveOurE‑Rate.com), and SHLB’s upcoming webinar and events.  The guys discuss the latest K12 tech news, including that PowerSchool announced a July 1 change disabling third‑party plugins unless vendors pass security reviews, sign licensing agreements, and use approved APIs or CSV imports. Josh and Mark explain the operational impact (ClassLink/Clever integrations affected), the potential costs and migration burdens for districts, and community reactions about timing and motives. Articles Discussed: Lancaster County Parents File Lawsuit over Deepfakes LAUSD Approves Screentime Ban How hackers found their way into your living room (WSJ) PowerSchool - 3rd Party Plugin FAQ www.saveourerate.com Join us July 6th-10th, 2026 – GAMEIS Conference in Savannah, GA Join us at MidwestTechTalk ———— Sponsored by: Meter CyberNut CDWG Fortinet Managed Methods Incident IQ VIZOR   CDWG - K12 Solutions & Services Overview Video: https://webobjects2.cdw.com/is/content/CDW/cdw/on-domain-cdw/videos/ssi/k12/mkt94999-k12-ssi-video-full-with-captions.mp4   CDWG - Strengthening K12 Cybersecurity: https://webobjects2.cdw.com/is/content/CDW/cdw/on-domain-cdw/videos/ssi/k12-cybersecurity/mkt94971-k12-cybersecurity-ssi-full-video-with-captions.mp4 ———— Join the K12TechPro Community (exclusively for K12 Tech professionals) Buy some swag (tech dept gift boxes, shirts, hoodies...)!!! Email us at [email protected] OR our "professional" email addy is [email protected] X @k12techtalkpod Facebook Visit our LinkedIn Music by Colt Ball Disclaimer: The views and work done by Josh, Chris, and Mark are solely their own and do not reflect the opinions or positions of sponsors or any respective employers or organizations associated with the guys. K12 Tech Talk itself does not endorse or validate the ideas, views, or statements expressed by Josh, Chris, and Mark's individual views and opinions are not representative of K12 Tech Talk. Furthermore, any references or mention of products, services, organizations, or individuals on K12 Tech Talk should not be considered as endorsements related to any employer or organization associated with the guys.