COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
P.O. BOX 2120
SUPTS. MEMO NO. 222
October 13, 2006
INFORMATIONAL
|
TO: |
Division
Superintendents |
|
FROM: |
Billy K.
Cannaday, Jr. Superintendent
of Public Instruction |
|
SUBJECT: |
E-Rate
Discounts for Virginia Schools |
Virginia
public and private schools and libraries have received discounts on
telecommunications services, Internet access, and networking equipment through
the federal E-Rate program since 1998. Annual funding requests for Virginia
applicants average $35 to $45 million. The filing window for the 2007 fund year
is expected to close in mid February.
Discounts
for eligible services range from 20 to 90 percent off regular purchase prices.
The E-Rate application and funding process is somewhat complex, resulting in a
high denial rate by the administrator. To minimize confusion, the Department
has provided guidance on the DOE Web site at: www.doe.virginia.gov/VDOE/Technology/erate.html
The
Department, in conjunction with the Library of Virginia, has scheduled regional
training sessions during the last week of October and first week of November.
There will be a beginner’s session in the morning and a veteran’s session in
the afternoon. E-Rate beginners should plan to attend both sessions.
Registration for the training is available online at: http://www.vpl.lib.va.us/erate/2006workshops.asp
Scheduled
sessions include:
October
24:
October
25: Radford, Radford City School Board Office
October
26: Augusta, Augusta Government Center
October
27: Winchester, Bowman Public Library
November
1: Richmond, Chesterfield Schools’ Fulghum Center
November
2: Spotsylvania, Spotsylvania Career and Technical Center
November
3:
The
Department of Education strongly encourages each school division to designate
an E-Rate coordinator to manage the program. Program updates are provided via
e-mail from the Department to school division designees on a regular basis.
For
more information on E-Rate, addition of school or division designee to the
Department’s e-mail list, or assistance with the E-Rate application process,
contact Greg Weisiger, director, teleproduction, by e-mail at Greg.Weisiger@doe.virginia.gov
or by telephone at (804) 692-0335.
BCKJr/GWW/nb