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. Guest segment: Joey Wender walks listeners 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. Key points: why E‑rate matters for high‑discount districts, the difference between program reform and program elimination, the debate over consultant rules and program integrity, and the timeline and legal options if the FCC moves forward. News and analysis: the hosts cover several major K‑12 tech stories — a disturbing deepfake incident at Lancaster County Day School (PA) where students generated hundreds of AI nude images of classmates, subsequent criminal pleas and a federal lawsuit, and the urgent reminder that AI deepfakes are treated as child sexual material and must be handled under existing CCM/reporting processes. They also unpack L.A. Unified School District’s newly approved, grade‑based screen time caps (total bans for preK–1, small daily/weekly limits for upper grades, homework counting toward caps), practical implementation concerns, assessment and filtering implications, and the political context of the superintendent’s leave and FBI investigation tied to an AI chatbot vendor. 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