2. What is E-rate? Program designed in 1996 to overcome the “digital divide” Designed to narrow Internet access gap between affluent and non-affluent school districts Provides discounts for communications, network equipment, and cabling for qualified schools and school districts Disburses $2-3 billion annually

3. Who manages the E-rate Program? Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) Determines items eligible for E-rate Computers are not eligible, only infrastructure components such as routers and switches

4. How does a school district qualify? Be an urban or rural school district with a majority of students qualified for the free and reduced lunch program Be Child Internet Protection Act (CIPA) compliant Ability to contribute 10% of total cost Capable of using information technology infrastructure by having computers available Have an approved technology plan Provide training on the use of technology

5. How has SAISD benefited from E-rate? Received over $40 million since 1996 for the following: High speed wide area network for district Internet Support for telephone services Wireless infrastructure Equipment to connect Internet and networks Maintenance contract for network equipment

6. Future E-rate Projects Re-cable all schools Upgrade wireless network infrastructure for faster, more reliable connections Implement voice over IP (VOIP) in each school to allow a phone in every classroom if needed

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