For those beginning this process I would strongly encourage you to visit:Guide to Digital Learning. This document will guide you through many of the important decision you need to consider as you begin this journey.
I want to take just a moment to summarize the information found in the above mentioned article which specifically relate to Funding 1:1 initiatives.
The Many Roads to Funding:
1. Federal Funding:
It is possible for most school districts to transfer up to 50 percent of the federal formula grant funds they receive under the Improving Teacher Quality State Grants, Educational Technology, Innovative Programs, and Safe and Drug-Free Schools programs to any one of these programs(technology programs) or to their Title I program, without separate approval.
Title II, Part D: Enhancing Education Through Technology Program. "Its primary goal is to improve student academic achievement through the use of technology in schools...Under EETT, the U.S. Department of Education provides grants to State Education Agencies (SEAs) proportionally based on their share of funding under Title I, Part A.
IDEA: provides funds for the educational success of children with disabilities.
2. State Funding:
To help schools fund technology programs, most states have either re-directed Title II Part D funds to specific statewide or regional projects or have simply transferred the competitive part of the Title II Part D funds to eligible school districts on a competitive basis.
3. Local Bond Levies:
Issuing a bond means that a locality is going to sell shares in a particular project to raise money for the project...Issuing bonds allows school districts to: borrow large amounts of money, specify the time frame for borrowing, and determine within limits the amount of annual payments...Issuing bonds is a complex procedure...The state also needs to approve the bond sale. Ultimately, the school board is responsible for incurring either bank or bonded debt. The voters must be convinced that this is a wise investment.
4. Technology Financing:
Technology Financing, or leasing, gives schools two choices.
1. Straight Lease: a district pays for equipment for a specified time and then returns it.
2. Lease/Purchase: district either owns the technology or purchases it for a very small residual amount at the end of the contract
The advantage of financing is being able to acquire the technology without paying the full purchase price at one time. For districts not issuing long-term debt, financing allows them to make payments from the general operating budget over periods generally extending from 36 to 60 months.
5. Philanthropic Grants:
Foundations, corporations, and non-profit organizations may also be a good source of financial assistance for technology in schools and districts, especially in the form of grant programs. While each organization has unique priorities, districts should write proposals that address those priorities specifically. In general, philanthropic entities are interested in providing start up funds for initiatives that are clearly focused, internally supported and financially sustainable.
6. Parental Purchases:
While not an option for all schools, this does lower the cost for schools when trying to initiate a new program.
7. Creative Strategies:
Much could be said on the following topics but I am just going to list some of the different creative options out there.
Use the Current Budget
Combining Funds
Partner with Business
Forming Consortia
Local Foundations
I want to make sure you realize, these are not my ideas, they come from the document Guide to Digital Learning. Make sure that you go check this article out. I think this will really help you in your journey down the "road less traveled."
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