The budget allocation for the Microsoft Cy Pres Settlement program for the eligible schools is posted on the front page of the Iowa DE Web site or here.
The following is a quick review of the program and some reminders:
· Most schools requested a 360-day extension and have until May 11, 2010, to complete the application. Starting dates for each school can be staggered. Schools can start any time.
· The application is at www.edinfo.state.ia.us -- superintendents have a userID/password.
· Approval means application is approved. It does not mean that the listed products are approved (check the eligible products list at www.iowaschoolmicrosoftsettlement.com).
Guiding Principles
· The application must be linked to implementation of the ICC in one of the five focus areas. Be careful if choosing 21st century skills as one of the areas because those assessments are expensive. 21st century skills are still important/viable area, and the assessment would be in a subject/grade. For example, the school focuses on problem solving and purchases an interactive whiteboard to build 21st century skills. The school expects to see an increase in achievement reflected in 6th grade math.
· Exceptions are that buildings receiving more than $50,000 may choose additional focus areas in increments of $50,000.
· The online application has three basic questions with a limit of 2,000 characters including spaces for each.
The following is a quick review of the program and some reminders:
- This is a 4 year program that ends in August 2013.
- The per pupil allocation is based on the 2007 certified student count.
- The money is split into general purpose and software vouchers. The eligible products list shows which type of voucher can be used.
- If a school’s claim is denied, the district is stuck with the expenditure. The DE has no power to appeal a denied claim.
- Once an ineligible product is listed, it is never eligible.
- If a school wants to purchase a product not on the list, they must contact Rust Consulting for approval. If approved, they will give the school a confirmation number. The Web site with all eligible products is updated about every two weeks.
· Most schools requested a 360-day extension and have until May 11, 2010, to complete the application. Starting dates for each school can be staggered. Schools can start any time.
· The application is at www.edinfo.state.ia.us -- superintendents have a userID/password.
· Approval means application is approved. It does not mean that the listed products are approved (check the eligible products list at www.iowaschoolmicrosoftsettlement.com).
Guiding Principles
· The application must be linked to implementation of the ICC in one of the five focus areas. Be careful if choosing 21st century skills as one of the areas because those assessments are expensive. 21st century skills are still important/viable area, and the assessment would be in a subject/grade. For example, the school focuses on problem solving and purchases an interactive whiteboard to build 21st century skills. The school expects to see an increase in achievement reflected in 6th grade math.
· Exceptions are that buildings receiving more than $50,000 may choose additional focus areas in increments of $50,000.
· The online application has three basic questions with a limit of 2,000 characters including spaces for each.
