ADE Director's Communication Memo Form


Memo Number : RT-08-007

Date Created : 03/06/2008

Attention:

Superintendents
Co-op Directors
other: Technology Directors and Coordinators

Type of Memo: Informational
Response Required: No
   
Section:   Research and Technology - Mr. James Boardman, Assistant Commissioner
Subject:
Technology Plan Deadline Extension

Regulatory Authority:
N/A

Contact Person:
Wilma Toombs

Phone Number:
501-371-1944

E-mail:
wilma.toombs@arkansas.gov

Several schools have questioned the possibility of extending the deadline for submission of the technology plan required for E-Rate discounts from the published deadline of April 15, 2008, to May 1, 2008. See Commissioner's Communication RT-08-006 for submission requirements.

Item 20 of FCC Form 470 states that when posting Form 470 “You are certifying that the technology plan(s) are written that they cover all 12 months of the funding year and that they have been or will be approved by a state or other authorized body, and an SLD-certified technology plan approver, prior to the commencement of service”. The Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) is the SLD-certified technology plan approver. The submission of Form 470 is based on the technology plan for the 2009-2010 school year.

It is clear that the technology plan must be written prior to the posting of Form 470. The posting of Form 470 may begin as early as July 1, 2008. With the increased scrutiny of the E-Rate program, number of law suits regarding E-Rate issues and proliferation of E-Rate site visits, it seems prudent to complete the development of the technology plan and the approval process prior to July 1, 2008.

Arrangements for reading the approximately 300 technology plans have been scheduled for May 12-15. It will take a minimum of a week after receipt of the plans to prepare for the review process. Therefore, the Department will extend the deadline for submission of the plan from April 15 to May 2, 2008. The technology plans must be at the Department by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, May 2, 2008. This revised deadline should also make it easier to obtain the necessary signatures and assurances.

Mail to:

Wilma Toombs, Public School Program Advisor
Arkansas Department of Education Technology Center
6020 Ranch Blvd., Suite C8
Little Rock, AR. 72223

Attachments:
    None

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