COMPETITION HEATS UP FOR SCHOOL SYSTEMS ACROSS GEORGIA APPLYING FOR E-RATE FUNDING

-Richardson TSI provides integrated technology and E-Rate support to enhance learning outcomes -

ATLANTA (Feb. 23, 2009) – School systems across Georgia are in the process of applying to receive a portion of the $2.5 billion in federal technology funding awarded each year by the School and Libraries Program of the Universal Services Fund, commonly referred to as E-Rate. This funding helps provide schools with telephone systems, Internet and other technology that is essential to the success and productivity of students as well as in facilitating education outcomes.

To help Georgia schools compete for this funding, Richardson Technology Systems Inc. (TSI) has established an experienced E-Rate support team. Education facilities that select Richardson TSI as a technology solutions integrator are able to utilize Richardson’s E-Rate support team as a valuable resource and experienced partner in the grant application process. Over the past 10 years, Georgia school systems have obtained more than $15 million in E-Rate funding for integrated technology solutions installed by Richardson TSI.

 “By helping our schools, Richardson is maintaining our commitment to the advancement of education in the state,” says Richardson TSI President Joseph Ciotti. “Technology is essential to Georgia classrooms and can provide a more engaging learning atmosphere - leading to improved test scores and rankings.”

Such improvements in education outcomes have been seen in schools like Mt. Zion Elementary School in Carroll County, Ga., which received E-Rate funding for its curriculum presentation system installed by Richardson TSI in early 2008. After the first year with the new integrated technology, the school has experienced an increase in overall test scores, according to Carroll County Director of Technology Dennis Thompson.  

“Carroll County School System has worked with Richardson TSI for more than eight years, and they have a great understanding of the E-Rate Program,” says Thompson. “The support they provide is an important component to the success of the school and an attribution to the test scores.”

While the number of schools in Georgia receiving E-Rate funding has increased in the past few years, meeting the Grant criteria has become more tedious.  Once Richardson TSI is selected as the integrated technology provider, the E-Rate support team assists busy, and frequently understaffed, education facilities in every stage of fulfilling the Grant execution process - greatly enhancing the school’s chances of meeting the grant requirements and passing the inspection of a federal government audit of the Grant fulfillment.

 “Richardson TSI’s E-Rate team has an excellent understanding of the funding application process and works closely with us to achieve results,” says Thompson.  

E-Rate funding is awarded to schools based on their poverty level and rural - urban status. The number of students qualifying for the national school lunch program often determines the poverty level, and with more Americans losing their jobs this year, that number is increasing steadily.  According to a Federal Communications Commission report, 86 percent of public schools, 21 percent of private schools and 65 percent of libraries in the nation have received funding since the E-Rate program was established.

“Richardson TSI is dedicated to providing new technology solutions for Georgia schools to enhance learning outcomes and safety for students, faculty and staff,” Ciotti says. For more information please visit www.richardsontsi.com or call (800)-903-8432.

About Richardson TSI    

Located in Suwanee, Ga., Richardson TSI is a leading provider of integrated technology solutions in education, healthcare and government in the state of Georgia.  For more than 40 years, Richardson TSI has dedicated its efforts to providing creative solutions, superior products and quality customer service helping to streamline hospitals and schools and enhance their overall efficiency. Richardson TSI connects people through technology, providing dynamic communication and safety solutions, enabling clients to expand their resources and maximize outcomes. For more information regarding Richardson TSI, please visit www.richardsontsi.com.