Keeping Schools and Libraries Connected: Why E-Rate Matters

About the Presenters

John Harrington is CEO of Funds For Learning, where he helps K-12 schools and public libraries secure E-rate funding for internet access and Wi-Fi. With more than 25 years of experience, John is a recognized expert in the E-rate program. He has guided schools and libraries to billions of dollars in funding that helps close the digital divide. He is passionate about using technology to create positive change in education.

Megan Sutherland is Chief Operating Officer of the Prince George's County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) in Maryland, where she helps lead a system of 19 branches serving more than 900,000 residents just outside Washington, DC. Her portfolio spans public services and system operations. That work puts her at the center of the county's digital divide: more than 116,000 Prince George's residents lacked home broadband as of the 2020 Census, and, for many of them, the library is the connection. She holds a Master of Library and Information Science from San Jose State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Art History from Mary Washington College.

Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney began her career as an eighth-grade language arts teacher. She served as Superintendent of Coldspring-Oakhurst CISD and Lufkin ISD before becoming Superintendent of Aldine ISD in 2018, where she leads one of Texas’ largest school districts, serving more than 50,000 students. Under her leadership, Aldine has experienced significant academic growth, with its state accountability rating increasing 16 points since 2023. Dr. Goffney currently serves as President of The School Superintendents Association (AASA) and is active in numerous state and national education organizations. Her honors include Texas Superintendent of the Year, recognition as an AASA Superintendent of the Year finalist, and the National Champions of Equity Award.

Jon Bernstein is Founder and President of Bernstein Strategy Group, a government relations firm specializing in education and telecommunications policy. He brings more than 25 years of experience in education, technology, privacy, appropriations, and telecommunications, including service at the Federal Communications Commission from 1999 to 2001. Jon began his Washington tenure in 1994 as a Legislative Fellow for Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and went on to lobby for The Lightspan Partnership and the National Education Association before entering private practice and launching BSG in 2005. He works closely with the major K-12 education associations as Co-chair of both the Education and Libraries Networks Coalition (EdLiNC) and the Homework Gap Big Tent Coalition, and as Executive Director of the National Coalition for Technology in Education and Training (NCTET). He also helps lead the Principals Group. Jon received his BA from Colgate University and his JD from Northwestern University Law School.

Joseph Wender, Executive Director of SHLB, has served as Director of the Capital Projects Fund, overseeing the $10 billion program at the U.S. Department of the Treasury and helping to ensure that all communities have access to high-quality modern infrastructure, including affordable, reliable high-speed internet. He previously served for nearly 13 years on Capitol Hill, including as Senator Ed Markey’s Senior Policy Advisor, where he led a team covering a wide range of issues including telecommunications and infrastructure. Joseph also worked as then-Representative Markey’s Legislative Director. Prior to working for Markey, Joseph served as Counsel for the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. He received his BA from Wesleyan University and graduated magna cum laude from Harvard Law School.

About the Moderator

Noelle Ellerson Ng is Chief Advocacy & Governance Officer at AASA, leading the association’s federal advocacy, policy, and governance efforts. She directs engagement with Congress and the U.S. Department of Education, oversees research and policy analysis, supports AASA’s governing board and state affiliates, and leads the Student and Child Privacy Center. A former special education teacher, she regularly speaks nationwide on federal education policy and its impact on school system leaders and students.