Challenge:

The ability to fund technology initiatives must be shared by local, state, and federal programs.  Additionally, private funding must be pursued to achieve technology related goals outlined in the Wexford-Missaukee ISD technology plan.  Public and private funding initiatives to assist schools with the acquisition of technology for classroom and administrative uses are placing a greater premium on collaborative endeavors that maximize the positive impact and value of investment for each project.  Since 1994, with the dedication of the Michigan Public Service Commission excess earning of Ameritech to support educational technology, schools have been increasingly conscious of the need to work with others, including libraries, health care facilities, nonprofit organizations and private business.  However, this need to form partnerships and collaborative efforts will require increased attention not and in future year.  while we must be mindful that we must also share local talents and resources for others to mutually benefit.

Recommendation:

The Wexford-Missaukee ISD should make every effort to maximize the funding support and assistance available from public and private sources by establishing collaborative arrangements with other school districts, ISD's, colleges, universities, libraries, and similar entities.  WE need partners to aggregate demand for technology products and services.  Real savings will result from participation in initiative such as the Universal Service Fund (USF) program.  These dollars should be designated for additional technology-related investments.  We must plan for, and use Durant funds in technology related areas that benefit all students and educators.  Most importantly, we must allocate and obtain funds that provide for training and support to assure that other technology investments are fully utilized and that students achieve the maximum benefit of technology as a tool in the educational process.

Rationale and Implementation:

The Intermediate School district realizes with increasing frequency that much of our demand for technology and telecommunications services - such as Internet access, bandwidth for interactive video programming and even basic telephone services - bears similarity to the needs of colleges, universities, libraries, health care facilities, nonprofit organizations, private business, governmental agencies and other schools.  Collaborative purchasing and leasing agreement aggregate demand and consequently, drive down prices.  Fiscal efficiencies can be achieved by the districts if we re-invest savings from the federal USF discount program to help extend existing funding for technology, in some cases applying those savings toward programs.   Basic strategies for funding technology-related needs must occur on a regular basis, but no less than annually.