Program Overview
The Ohio K-12 Network is a joint effort between eTech Ohio and the Ohio Department of Education (ODE). The Ohio K-12 Network was created in FY00 to provide funding to assist Ohio school districts in connecting to the statewide, K-12 educational technology network. The Ohio K-12 Network offers services to all public school districts in the State of Ohio, linking classrooms to each other and the Internet, while providing access to voice, data, video, electronic mail and other educational resources for students, teachers and administrators.
Questions relating to the Ohio K-12 Network application process should be directed to the Ohio K-12 Network staff. Fiscal related questions should be directed to Greg Davidson, Chief Technology Officer at the Ohio Department of Education.
FY09 Ohio K-12 Network Application
For the FY10 funding cycle, districts will need to complete the online application including an updated Wide Area Network (WAN) diagram. Applicants were also required to complete an eligible Funding Year 2009 E-Rate application. Per-building allocations for FY10 have been changed to $2,000 per eligible building. Eligible entities include Public Schools, Community Schools, qualifying Educational Service Centers, Joint Vocational Schools, Ohio School for the Deaf, Ohio School for the Blind, and the Department of Youth Services. Non-public schools should contact their Information Technology Centers (ITC) to inquire about their eligibility and application requirements for connectivity funding. In order to receive funding, all entities must be in compliance with the program guidelines. The application deadline for this year is October 30, 2009.
Connectivity Rules for the 2009-2010 School Year
The Ohio K-12 Network Planning Committee's Technical Subcommittee has established the following connectivity rules for the 2009-2010 (FY10) school year: