E-Rate

I had a huge awakening on just how important e-rate is for the Milwaukee Public Schools.  One of the first financial topics talked about was the importance of e-rate in the MPS technology budget.

E-rate, as a refresher, is a federally funded program to make connectivity more affordable.  School districts, libraries and  health care are all eligible to apply for e-rate funds.  E-rate funds are drawn from the Universal Connectivity Fee paid on residential and commercial phone, Internet and cell phone services every month.  The percentage of money received in e-rate is directly correlated to the economic status of the public you serve.  MPS, for example gets an 80% discount on connectivity fees.  In the tech. budget picture, this equates to abut $7.5 million. 

There are several rules that applicants must follow:

• There is a strict paperwork timeline that must be adhered to.
• Some budgetary money must be spent in the areas that will also receive e-rate funds.
• Equipment can be purchased using e-rate dollars, but the list is specific, and there are time constraints on   that as well.

Click here for a great website on how to apply for e-rate funds, and how to use the money.