ADMINISTRATIVE

  As school divisions submit requests for FY 97 reimbursement
  from the Virginia Public School Authority (VPSA) Educational
  Technology Initiative Grant, the following guidelines will
  facilitate the approval process:

  1. Please complete both sides of the new form (attachment
     A) making sure that item 7 (certification) is signed
     and the method of payment is properly detailed.

  2. The form requires applicants to detail the
     reimbursement request in four categories and to supply
     copies of invoices for these items.  To facilitate the
     review process, separate the invoices into four
     categories.  Place a subtotal cover sheet on top or
     provide adding machine tape for each category.  If an
     invoice needs to be split between two categories, copy
     the invoice for each section with the appropriate
     amounts highlighted.  The four categories are described
     below:

          Networking/Infrastructure - costs related to the
          continued expansion and retrofitting of school
          buildings for the use of educational technologies
          in support of the Standards of Learning.  This
          includes behind-the-wall cabling, wiring, and
          peripherals for voice, video, and data.

          Classroom Multimedia Network Computers - cost of
          the computer system only.  Peripheral equipment
          such as printers or modems may be included in the
          local technology plan category.

  Division Superintendents
  March 28, 1997
  Page 2



          Instructional Software - guidelines allow for the
          reimbursement of 1/13th of the amount spent on
          Classroom Multimedia Network Computers.

          Local Technology Plan Equipment - cost of
          educational technology equipment, other then items
          in the above categories, that are outlined in the
          updated local technology plan.

  3. The completed form, including the name of a contact
     person, telephone number, and supporting documentation
     should be sent to Mrs. June Eanes, Director of Finance,
     Virginia Department of Education, 101 North 14th
     Street, P. O. Box 2120, Richmond, Virginia 23218-2120. 
     Prior to reimbursement, invoices will be reviewed by
     the Technology Division.

  A copy of the VPSA Frequently Asked Questions booklet mailed
  to central offices in July 1996 is enclosed for your
  reference (attachment B).  Local share expenditures will be
  requested at a later date.

  If there are any questions concerning the purchases for
  which these funds may be used, please contact Dr. Ida J.
  Hill, Assistant Superintendent for Technology, at (804) 225-2757. 
  Questions concerning the reimbursement request form
  and allocation to school divisions should be addressed to
  Mrs. Eanes at (804) 225-2060.



  RTL/emt

  Attachments: A hard copy of this memo and its attachments
               will be sent to the superintendent's office.