Highline School District Makes the Grade Using Qwest Network Services

BURIEN, Wash.– Qwest Communications International Inc. (NYSE: Q) announced a multi-year agreement with the Highline School District to deliver comprehensive technology that connects and supports the students, faculty and staff of the 17,000-student, Burien, Wash., district.
“It’s important that technology support a curriculum – not drive it,” said Mark Finstrom, technology director for the Highline School District. “With Qwest’s platform, we’re improving how students learn, teachers teach and staff operates with redundant systems, a high-speed technology platform and comprehensive business continuity plans”

As part of its solution, the Highline School District installed super-high-speed Qwest GeoMax and Qwest Metro Optical Ethernet (QMOE) services in 35 locations, providing increased access to advanced applications including real-time streaming video sessions and multi-location information sharing. This network will enable “virtual class rooms” providing better use of district resources and improving student access to advanced curriculum. Qwest is also providing Internet and long distance and designed business continuity plans to support safety preparedness in the event of man-made or natural disasters.

Highline School District is utilizing funds from the federal E-Rate program – the Schools and Libraries Universal Service Support Mechanism – to deploy these solutions. The program provides discounts to assist U.S. schools and libraries in obtaining affordable communications access. Qwest worked closely with the district officials to maximize the resources available to the district under the program.

"As long-time advocates of education, Qwest works closely with school districts nationwide to provide leading technology and current information on funding resources,” said Tom Richards, executive vice president, Qwest Business Markets Group. “Online learning and school safety were key for the Highline School District, so we designed a solution to support these priorities.”