About TCSTG
TCSTG is a non-profit corporation that provides instructional programming to schools in the Twin Cities and surrounding area using frequencies reserved by the FCC for delivery of educational programming via an EBS system. All of our courses are non-commercial, FREE educational programming. We offer these programs for member schools to tape and inventory as school resources. Both Teachers and students may use them in classrooms, as well as for independent study or home viewing.
Educational Broadband Service
EBS is a microwave radio service which uses frequencies reserved by the FCC for broadcast of educational programming. EBS transmission is exactly like cable television's, except that it uses microwave frequencies that ordinary TVs are unable to receive. Therefor it is necessary to install a special EBS antenna at each receive point; the antenna picks up the EBS microwave signal and "down converts" it to VHF TV channels which can be picked up by an ordinary set with the help of a cable-type set-top converter. The converter is connected to the TV by a cable, but no modification of the TV itself is required.
EBS systems have been used successfully for years by countless educational organizations across the country. Although TCSTG airs programming only in the Twin Cities area, we work closely with ITF, PRETC, CITF and DAETC which air programming in Indianapolis, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Sacramento and Salt Lake City, Portland, Chicago and the Denver areas.
TCSTG Board of Directors
The TCSTG systems are governed by a board of directors. None of the voting members of the board of directors draws a salary or receives compensation for serving on the board (president John Schwartz is compensated as a staff member).Board responsibilities include:
1. Overall management and policy setting
2. Fiscal planning and review
3. Overseeing operations
4. Outreach to community, education and video groups
The current TCSTG Board includes:
- President: John Schwartz
- Treasurer: Neal Gosman
- Executive VP and Secretary: David McKay
- Assistant Secretary: Adam Miller
The current TCSTG Staff includes:
- Local Coordinator: Thomas Gerard
National Office Staff in Longmont, CO:
- President: John Schwartz
- National Director: Adam Miller
- Chief Financial Officer: Patricia Dwyer
- Director of Instructional Video: Chris Artem
- Business Manager: Hazel Bolsover
- Administrative Assitant: Lonnie Dooley
- Bookkeeper: Cassandra Allen
- Program Officer: Hollis Hope
- Data Services Director: Michelle Warner
- Community Development Manager: John Kennedy
- MC Customer Service Associate: Tricia Castillo