On July 26, 2006, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell announced that $400-600 million will soon be available for California schools to purchase computer hardware and software. The technology funds, which will be distributed to schools through the California Department of Education’s Education Technology K-12 Voucher Program, are available as a result of a settlement agreement in an antitrust case against Microsoft Corporation. Eligible schools are those with greater than 40% of their students participating in the free and reduced price lunch program. For the full text of the announcement, visit http://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/et/st/voucherltr72606.asp

The RFA for the K12 Voucher program is expected to be released in mid-September, 2006. Currently, there is no specific information about the application process or the exact dollar amount per pupil of the grant award. As more information becomes available, RIMS CTAP will continue to provide updates.

RIMS CTAP will be holding rollout meetings for districts with eligible schools on Friday, September 8 from 12:30 - 2:30 at the Riverside County Office of Education, and on Tuesday, September 12 from 1:00 - 3:00 at the SBCSS West End Educational Service Center. To participate, please visit the RIMS CTAP K-12 Voucher website to register online.