NorthEast Washington Educational Service District 101's E-rate program provides a service that most districts will find beneficial. Assistance is offered for planning, training, on-line filing and reimbursement request for funds. This service will provide revenue for school districts which can directly enhance educational benefits for students.
Goal Statement
Our mission is to assure that school districts annually apply and receive funding and/or discounts for eligible telecommunications, Internet access and internal connection services. We offer assistance with completing the application process to assure funding for K-12 public and private school districts.
What is E-rate?
The Universal Service Fund for Schools and Libraries, or E-rate, provides discounted services on telecommunications, internet access and internal connections for all public and private schools, and libraries. The Universal Service Program is administered by the Schools and Libraries Division (SLD).
The E-rate program provides discounts of 20-90% on the cost of eligible services. Discounts are based on the number of students eligible for the National Free and Reduced Lunch Program and the location of the organization (rural or urban). The discounts are paid directly to the companies that provide schools and libraries with these technology services. In turn, the school or library receives a discounted bill or a reimbursement. The program may be funded up to a cap of $2.25 billion annually. A funding year begins on July 1st, and ends on the following June 30.
There are three required forms (470, 471, 486) and two possible forms (472, 500):
- The process begins with the filing of a Form 470 (Request for Competitive Bid).
- Followed by the Form 471 (Request for Discount).
- Form 486 is submitted to verify that the applicant has received services as promised by the serviceprovider.
- A BEAR Form (Form 472) may be used to request reimbursement for costs for services paid in full.
- Form 500 is used to notify the SLD of certain changes.
How Can NEWESD 101 Help?
Management of District E-rate Process
On-line filing of applications
Completion and monitoring of all E-rate processes
Appeals
SPIN Changes
Eligible services
Eligible service providers
Eligible entities
Internal record keeping system
Filing 486, 472, and 500 forms
General information to vendors
Assistance with forms
Assistance with audits and appeals
Problem resolution and program integrity issues
Training
Contact
Dr. Shirley Bauer
Educational Service District 101
4202 South Regal
Spokane, WA 99223-7738
Fax (605) 348-4741
Cell (605) 484-0136
[email protected]