The CARES Act provides billions of dollars to K-12 schools with flexibility on how much can be used on technology, software, or connectivity.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provides welcome relief for K-12 school districts. We’re talking $13.2 billion in funds for K-12 plus another $3 billion that could trickle down from your governor. Paired with all the new needs of distance learning, you could finally have the funds to make some big IT changes.
Your share of the CARES Act funding pie depends on how much Title I funding you already receive (check out the state-by-state breakdown here). CARES Act funds are being provided with flexibility, allowing schools to spend federal dollars on technology or software to support students and staff. It’s the IT budget you’ve always wanted.
Plainly speaking, your IT team can use the funds for:
- Meeting the needs of your most at-risk learners (low income, disabilities, English learners, racial and ethnic minorities, foster care or homeless youth). This includes providing technology to any student that needs it.
- Edtech purchases of any kind – hardware, software, adaptive equipment, or connectivity – to get students connected with their teachers.
- Anything to support the operation and continuity of services in schools. This is another broad statement that allows you to make technology purchases that improve work for your teachers and students – or even your IT team.
The CARES Act releases the 15% cap on technology purchases under the Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grant. What this means is that you have more purchasing freedom than you’re used to.
And that’s not all! There’s also another pot of $180 million to “Rethink K-12 School Models,” giving you a chance to brainstorm new ways to provide remote learning. Read that again. This is your chance to push forward some bold new ideas for your school district or to top up your IT budget with “microgrants” for more technology for families in need.
Every K-12 IT team across the country deserves a huge round of applause for the legwork done to get students and teachers back online. Now, do you have an IT project you’ve always wanted to pursue for your district? This could just be your opportunity to improve your tech stack.
As an approved CARES Act purchase, see what FileWave can do for you.
Contact us to find out whether FileWave is a fit for your team. Request your 30-day free trial now.
