County Spreads Cable to Private Schools Franchise Fees Pay for Educational Technology

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For years, the wiring for cable television hook-ups for classrooms has gone mostly to public schools, thanks to franchise fees that cable companies pay to St. Louis County.

Now parochial and private schools will get their turn.

In the next four years, about 110 schools will get cable television distribution systems as well as video equipment paid for by the fees. About 15 of the schools are public; about 80 are Catholic, county officials said. "Our push now is to get all schools served equitably," said Gerald D. Troester, education-technology director for the St. Louis County Cable Television Public Educational Commission. The group decides where to spend …