Microsoft settlement means millions for schools
Published: September 1, 2006
California schools that serve sizeable numbers of poor students can apply for their share of a new technology support fund of as much as $600 million. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell announced the funds’ availability in late July, with an expedited application process for local education agencies expected to be ready in mid-September.
The money comes from settlement of a $1.1 billion antitrust lawsuit against Microsoft Corp. that set aside funds for public education. Two-thirds of all settlement funds that are not claimed by businesses and consumers who were plaintiffs in the litigation are earmarked for schools, an amount expected to total between $400 million and $600 million.
“This is a great day for public education in California,” O’Connell said during a press briefing. “Millions of businesses and consumers have opted to contribute their share of the settlement benefits to schools. This is an incredible display of generosity.”
K-12 schools, county offices of education, state-designated special schools for students with disabilities and direct-funded charter schools are all eligible for settlement funds. The money can be used to pay for computer hardware and software, technology maintenance and infrastructure, network equipment or professional development.
At least 40 percent of the applicants’ enrolled students must qualify for free or reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Program. The requirement is intended to direct the funds to local education agencies that serve large percentages of economically disadvantaged students who typically have limited access to computers.
Public school districts must have state-approved technology plans to be eligible; county offices, state-designated special schools and direct-funded charter schools are not subject to this requirement.
“If you have not yet submitted technology plans, I urge you to do so,” O’Connell said.
To make the funding process as simple as possible, the state is preparing an expedited application that O’Connell said will take just 15 minutes or so to complete.
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