Funding For An Innovative Future

Funding for an Innovative Future

21st Century Lutheran Education

Online Conference

February 25, 2010

Nicole Muth


• This presentation will be recorded and available on the Online Conference on 21st Century Lutheran Education Blog http://blog.cuw.edu/21cle/

• The PowerPoint with links to online resources is accessible at http://www.slideshare.net/nsmuth

http://blog.cuw.edu/21cle/

http://www.slideshare.net/nsmuth


• The current state of our nation’s economy has impacted church and school budgets.

• Educational leaders are calling for creating new 21st century learning communities.

• God has called us to be faithful stewards of all of the gifts He has given us. Matthew 25:14-30


• Lutheran schools are currently facing many challenges– Financial– Staffing– Professional Development– Enrolment – Infrastructure


• Creating and frequently updating a comprehensive technology plan is critical to enable Lutheran schools to continue to fulfill their mission and vision.

• A technology plan enables a school to be a better steward of the gifts God has provided.


Where do we begin?Creating a technology plan

Review the school’s mission, vision, and strategic plan.

How can technology help the school support the mission and vision of the school?

How can technology help the school accomplish the goals set out in the strategic plan?

Important Pieces of a Technology Plan

• Clear vision for the use of technology• Input from a diverse group of stakeholders• Gather data and review research• SWOT Analysis (strengths, weaknesses,

opportunities, and threats)• Purposeful integration into the

curriculum

Important Pieces of a Technology Plan

• Professional development• Sound infrastructure• Comprehensive budget• Ongoing assessment• Plan for tomorrow

Other Resources on Technology Planning

• Universal Service Administrative CompanyE-rate Funding

• Check State Department of Education website

• Wisconsin Association of Non-Public Schools

http://www.usac.org/sl/applicants/step02/technology-planning/questions-consider-technology-planning.aspx

http://faculty.wlc.edu/buelow/WANS/techplans.htm#Technology%20Planning%20Resources

http://faculty.wlc.edu/buelow/WANS/techplans.htm#Technology%20Planning%20Resources

Funding for an Innovative Future Promoting Your Plan

– Stakeholders can alert the school of potential funding opportunities.

– In kind gifts– Partner with other schools, churches and

organizations to take advantage of bulk purchasing discounts and joint professional development activities

– Marketing tool – Tell the community about the innovative educational activities happening at your school.


Now that we have a plan, how do we fund it? Annual budget – Total cost of technology Hardware/software – replacement and upgrade

schedule Infrastructure Professional development Technical support

Funding for an Innovative FutureGrants

Should be seen as a catalyst for new initiatives; not a substitute for budgeting for annual technology needs

A well written technology plan can help you identify potential funding opportunities

Many of the components of a grant are included in a technology plan.

In the summer, write and organize common components of grants.

Identify potential funders through word of mouth, professional journals, local and national foundations, Grant Wrangler, Fundsnet, on-line grant resources,

http://www.grantwrangler.com/

http://www.fundsnetservices.com/grantwri.htm

http://www.cpsb.org/Scripts/abshire/grants.asp


E-rate funding Provides schools and libraries with discounts on

telecommunications services such as local and long distance phone services, Internet access, and network wiring

Largest discounts go to schools with highest need – % of students on free/reduced price lunch and rural areas

Requires an approved technology plan For more information on the approval process go see

the Universal Service Administrative Company web site

http://www.usac.org/sl/about/overview-program.aspx


Collaborative partnerships – ESA’s Partnership of small public and private schools and

districts Bulk purchasing discounts Common calendar to allow for sharing specialized staff

and joint professional development opportunities Data management and analysis to assist with

assessment reports Lutheran Collaborative Groups –

Lutheran School Portal, Technology in Lutheran Schools, LEADnet

http://www.lsportal.net/portal.htm

http://techls.ning.com/

http://www.lea.org/deprtmnt/leadhome.htm


Recycling, refurbishing, and leasing Weigh the cost of recycling and refurbishing – can cost

more and be less reliable National Technology Recycling Project Schools can sell outdated equipment and unused

supplies through online companies like InterSchola Leasing provides the ability to make annual technology

costs more predictable and allows schools to spread out payments. Can have built-in provisions for up-grades,

replacements, and maintenance

http://www.ntrp.org/


Other Funding StrategiesTechnology fees Auctions or other fund raisers Open House – Showcase Campaign Use technology to cut costs in other areas


• This presentation will be recorded and available on the Online Conference on 21st Century Lutheran Education Blog http://blog.cuw.edu/21cle/

• The PowerPoint with links to online resources is accessible at http://www.slideshare.net/nsmuth

http://blog.cuw.edu/21cle/

http://www.slideshare.net/nsmuth

Funding For An Innovative Future

Education

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