E-rate provides discounts to help schools in Berks County obtain affordable telecommunications and Internet access.
Four service categories are funded:
Discounts range from 20 to 90 percent of the costs of eligible services, depending on economic need and location (urban or rural). Eligible schools and districts may apply individually or as part of a consortium.
Most school administrators assign the E-rate program duties to the already overflowing plate of a district’s or school’s technology director or business manager. The result can be a last-minute approach to performing time-sensitive filings. This, coupled with a hazy knowledge of the E-rate guidelines, is why so many schools do not receive the full benefit of this $2.25 billion reimbursement program.