Gwinnett County Public Schools and Southern Business Communications Launch Largest Known Classroom Technology Integration Program in the U.S.

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Southern Business Communications Group (SBCG), a premier audio visual and distance learning technology solution provider, and wholly-owned subsidiary of Xerox Corporation (NYSE: XRX), was recently awarded an AV bid contract to integrate technology in Gwinnett County Public Schools’ (GCPS) elementary school classrooms. This project is part of the school district’s three-part plan to provide classroom technology for students and teachers.

According to GCPS director of broadcast and distance learning, Greg LaHatte, this technology project is funded by recent voter approval of a $750M General Obligation (G.O.) Bond Referendum. “Our citizens value public education. Through their vote, they have ensured that our students have the facilities and tools they need to be successful.“

Under this contract, SBCG will integrate Gwinnett elementary classrooms with ceiling-mounted DLP projection systems, sound reinforcement technology, and wall-mounted system controls which allow teachers to power up and down, adjust volume, select equipment sources and automatically shut down the system at the end of day. Plans are underway to kick off the integration program with more than 1,000 classrooms in summer 2008. Completion of the 5,000+ classroom integrations is slated for January 2010.

Mr. LaHatte added, “SBCG was awarded the contract through the county’s RFP process and based on an evaluation of their capabilities to meet the system’s needs. We also appreciate that SBCG is based in Gwinnett County.”

Dan Boylan, president of SBCG commented, “We understand firsthand the challenges of engaging and educating digital thinkers in grades K-12, after all we have been working with schools for over 25 years. And, we recognize the importance of becoming a partner with Gwinnett County Public Schools. Any AV company can be your vendor, but if you help your customer to make the proper selection, create an effective plan, design the integration around the plan, maintain and support your work, and do it right, then you have a real partner; especially when you understand the specific needs in education.”