E-rate Update - Proposed Funding Year Changes
Message Posted June 4, 1998
SLC PROPOSES CHANGING E-RATE FUNDING YEAR
This week, the Schools and Libraries Corporation (SLC) filed comments with the FCC proposing several changes to the E-rate program. Please keep in mind that this is merely a proposal and the FCC must issue a formal order making any changes to the program. Such an order may come as soon as next Wednesday and may or may not include the SLC's proposal. I have not seen a copy of their filing, but understand that their proposal contains the following:
1) The E-rate's funding year be altered to mirror the school's fiscal year (July to June) instead of the calendar year (January to December). The SLC said the revised funding year dates would work better with school schedules, enabling school districts to plan in a more 'efficient and organized' manner. SLC said the transition could be made by extending the current funding year from 12 months to 18 months, ending June 30, 1999 instead of December 31, 1998.
2) The next application window open this fall (perhaps October 1?), rather than on July 1, 1998. I assume the window also would be longer than 75 days to give applicants more time to put together their proposals and complete their applications.
The SLC's proposal may appear to be very simple, but upon consideration, it raises numerous questions about extention of contracts, funding levels, project completion dates, projects slated for January 1 - June 30, 1998, and modifications of Form 471s. Unfortunately, we have NO answers to these questions at this point. We will be raising these issues with the SLC in the upcoming weeks and will be sure to inform you when we receive responses.
Again, this is only an initial proposal and is non-binding.
-- Julie
Julie L. Tritt
Executive Policy Specialist
Office of Educational Technology
Pennsylvania Department of Education
333 Market Street
10th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17126
Tel: (717) 787-5820
Fax: (717) 787-7222
www.state.pa.us
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