Since its inception in 1995, the SchoolNet Plus (SN+) program has provided districts with funding to purchase multimedia computers and other related hardware and services for public classrooms at a goal of one computer for every five students.

In FY06 and FY07, the SchoolNet Plus program appropriated SchoolNet Plus Grade 8 funds to eligible districts in the highest quartiles of the three-year average adjusted per pupil wealth. FY08 funding will be allocated to the districts not funded in FY06 or FY07. Grants for Grade 8 will continue eTech Ohio's initiative to achieve the state's goal of one multimedia computer for every five students.

In an effort to maximize SN+ funding, eTech Ohio staff negotiates statewide pricing for eligible products and services. Be sure to review the Equipment & Services Catalog information.

Search for a school's SchoolNet Plus allocations using the Organization Profiles.

eTech Ohio continues to allow SchoolNet Plus funding to be used to purchase server-based computing alternatives, commonly known as Thin Client, to traditional PCs. Thin Client is available through the eTech Ohio Equipment and Services Catalog. In addition to SchoolNet Plus funding, Ohio schools can purchase Thin Client from the Catalog using other funding sources, such as local, state or federal funding.

eTech Ohio staff have drafted a whitepaper, Investigating the Future of Classroom Computing , as a resource for districts that may be considering their options. The whitepaper examines some of the major advantages and disadvantages of Thin Client, as well as a high-level total cost of ownership (TCO) model for analysis.

This document contains the guidelines for SchoolNet Plus Grade 8, FY08. Please review the guidelines carefully.

SchoolNet Plus Grade 8 Guidelines

Below are the important dates in the SchoolNet Plus Grade 8 program: