The Southside Virginia Regional Technology Consortium (SVRTC) was established in 1995 with the leadership of Dinwiddie County Public Schools and a partnership with Longwood University.
During the years of 1996-1998, SVRTC received funding from the General Assembly and Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). The consortium was first developed to promote a telecommunication network and expand the capabilities of Southside Virginia school divisions.
In 1999, Longwood University became SVRTC’s fiscal and administrative agent. SVRTC would be supported through Longwood’s K-12 Outreach, the Institute for Teaching through Technology and Innovative Practices (ITTIP). This collaboration facilitated an almost transparent relationship in supporting professional development through asynchronous and synchronous learning opportunities. Through this partnership, ITTIP is
able to provide a facility, supplies, software licenses and more, to help the current 25 rural school divisions in Southside Virginia (see list on right).
The consortium’s collaboration includes servicing and maintaining H.323 video- conferencing system(s). SVRTC’s mission is:
“….to assist members with coordinating the acquisition and effective integration of viable up-to-date and emerging technologies, valuable training for K-12 students, staff and other citizens in our communities to enhance learning at all levels and encourage economic development in Southside Virginia.”
SVRTC provides a mechanism for its partnering school divisions to leverage technology resources. Additionally, it provides members a venue for monthly professional development related to technology issues. The consortium also holds an Annual Awards Banquet to highlight and celebrate the work done in technology and educational technology in our partnering divisions. Currently, the consortium has adopted a Strategic Plan for 2022-2027 to further define the productivity and focus of the group.
While SVRTC is still partially funded through the General Assembly, Longwood University provides the remaining funding needed to support a Technology Engineer and Office Assistant.
The consortium has designated committee and chair representatives from across the partnering divisions, if you have any questions regarding SVRTC, please call the ITTIP office: 434-395-2915