ILLINOIS MAYORS INTRODUCED TO
SATELLITE EDUCATION SYSTEM AT WIU

Mayors from across the state of Illinois received an introduction to the Western Illinois University/Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Satellite Education Network while in Macomb for the Illinois Municipal League board of directors meeting July 21-22.

Seven Illinois Municipal League members joined Macomb Mayor and President of the League Robert Anstine, WIU President Ralph Wagoner and members of WIU's College of Education and Illinois Institute of Rural Affairs for a Friday afternoon press conference. Receiving an introduction to the satellite education system at the press conference were Mayor Greg Sparrow of DeKalb, Village President Verna Clayton of Buffalo Grove, Mayor Rolland Lewis of Mount Vernon, Mayor Verne Hagstrom of Quincy, Mayor Jeffrey Markland of Urbana and Mayor Neil Dillard of Carbondale.

This is the first time the Illinois Municipal League has met in Macomb, according to Anstine. Discussion of the past legislative session, economic development issues and transportation topped the meeting which gives community leaders an opportunity to meet and discuss the problems they face.

"We're trying to bring rural schools in Illinois, education they couldn't otherwise receive," said Dave Taylor, dean of the College of Education. He described the network as a real partnership between business, industry and the schools.

Through the use of a one-way video, two-way audio satellite system, WIU and the TI-IN United Star Network provide public school students advanced courses, in areas like foreign languages, mathematics and sciences, which rural districts often have difficulty providing their students.

"I'm really excited about your satellite education network," said Mount Vernon Mayor Rolland Lewis. "Do you realize the doors that will be opened with this?"

Carbondale Mayor Neil Dillard echoed Lewis' excitement, saying he was pleased to hear about this project.

First year funding allowed WIU to provide equipment to 52 sites across the state. An additional 23 sites will be added as a result of second year funding.

Approximately 50 people attending the league meeting received a short introduction to WIU's satellite project and participated in a tour of WIU broadcasting facilities Saturday morning.

"We have the largest instructional network in Illinois," said WIU TI-IN Project Director Mike Dickson. "We see this not only as a resource for students, but as a tool for economic development for small and medium-sized communities."

"Through the use of technology and innovative educational programming, WIU and the Illinois State Board of Education have taken a bold step to expand the educational opportunities of all Illinois students," Dickson said. "Incorporating futuristic technology and a commitment to educational equality, the WIU/ISBE Satellite Network is an example of the vitality and potential of Illinois." •

Page 22 / Illinois Municipal Review / August 1989