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Episode #34 - Developing a tiered approach for your organization’s budget with Yeime Valle, Executive Director of Brilla Public Charter Schools
SHOW NOTES
3 min read
SHOW NOTES
Cari Warnock, Education Ambassador at CDW
Dave LeNard, E-Rate Enablement Manager at CDW
Connect with David on LinkedIn
Websites
EPISODE SUMMARY
Did you know over $100 million in E-Rate funding for charter schools is about to disappear? This episode of The Charter School Insider Podcast is your ultimate crash course on E-Rate. Host Daniel Casselli dives into this critical topic with experts Cari Warnock and Dave LeNard from CDW, a BuyQ-awarded vendor specializing in education technology. Together, they demystify E-Rate, explaining its two funding categories, eligible services, and the step-by-step process schools need to follow to secure funding.
If your school hasn't tapped into these funds, now's the time to act. Learn how to avoid common pitfalls, integrate E-Rate into your broader financial strategy, and ensure your students benefit from the resources they need for digital learning.
EPISODE TAKEAWAYS
- Understanding E-Rate: Learn about the two funding categories—Category 1 (internet services) and Category 2 (internal connections).
- Urgency to Act: Over $100 million in Category 2 funding is set to expire unless schools apply this year.
- Process Breakdown: A clear guide to filing FCC forms 470 and 471 to secure your share of the funding.
- Key Benefits: Discounts up to 90% for eligible services, including internet access, Wi-Fi equipment, and managed broadband services.
- Avoiding Pitfalls: Tips to ensure compliance, document evaluations, and maximize your funding allocation.
- Planning for Success: How to integrate E-Rate into your school's long-term resource strategy.
RESOURCES
Videos:
Why CDW-G for E-Rates: https://youtu.be/cT0CvK11QKA
E-Rate Eligible Services: https://youtu.be/gwHev6OSmaA
The E-Rate Application Process: https://youtu.be/P39zHrtxiOc
The E-Rate Purchasing Process: https://youtu.be/0wWTx561Fr0
E-Rate Series: Wi-Fi 7: https://youtu.be/75NzfNtEsCk
Switching & Cabling for Wi-Fi 7: https://youtu.be/flXJ_TgVMoc
Document: CDW E-Rate Customer Guide
Want to learn more about E-Rate?:
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Email: damiesm@cdw.com LinkedIn: Damien Smith Office Phone: 480-270-7392 |
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction to E-Rate and Its Importance
09:57 Understanding E-Rate Categories and Services
20:12 Accessing E-Rate Funds: The Application Process
30:01 Common Pitfalls and Best Practices for Schools
ABOUT OUR GUESTS
Cari Warnock
Cari Warnock, CDW Education Ambassador, K-12 – Cari’s focus is on building strategy and alliances to impact work with education organizations that may differ from a “traditional” district ie: charter, choice, parochial/private schools, independent, alliances, and more along with supporting relationships and the associations who serve thousands of schools across the US. Cari humbly served over 20 years in public education in Metro Nashville and in Central Florida. Her roles as Director of School Choice/Charter/Magnet and experience writing and directing 40 million in federal grants allow her to vision and create wall to wall access, equity, and opportunity for all students regardless of zip code. From teacher to Director of STEM, she covered the K12 spectrum in various roles and capacities.
Cari previously worked at Dell Technologies where she supported schools all over the world with ed tech tools, hardware, and STEM programs like Girls Who Game. Throughout her career, she has earned National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, Middle Generalist. She has spoken at small and large conferences on various topics such as AI, tech tools, partnerships, grants, federal compliance, charter management and more. Her best days are meeting with school leaders to help solve their problems or provide guidance or ideas.
Cari holds a Master's degree from Nova Southeastern in Education Administration and a Bachelor's degree in Education. Additionally, she has earned certifications in Principal Level II, ESOL, and Middle Grades showcasing her commitment to professional growth and excellence. She has consulted all over the country and sat on Boards for education associations creating pathways to partnerships between K12 and vendors.
Cari is highly skilled in listening and responding with empathy, gathering resources and people to solve problems, and authoring blogs, research hub articles, and Ed Tech magazine pieces to spread the word far and wide about the current landscape of education. Cari’s is currently spearheading an inaugural CDW Advisory Network (CDWAN) to get school leaders to discuss issues and solving them together while networking and growing professionally.
Dave LeNard
Dave LeNard is an experienced, performance-focused team leader with a proven track record in process improvement and on-time delivery.
ABOUT OUR HOST
Daniel Casselli is a life-long learner whose passion for education has driven his professional endeavors. He is a former classroom teacher and youth ministry director whose entrepreneurial spirit landed him in the world of education technology. At EVERFI Inc., Daniel helped run the business development efforts for EVERFI’s Financial Education Program and the company was eventually sold to Blackbaud for $750M in 2021. Shortly before EVERFI’s acquisition, Daniel joined Class Technologies as one of the earliest sales hires and went on to lead K12 Enterprise Sales and helped the company land its first 100+ K12 customers across public, charter, and private schools. Daniel brings his unique experiences to BuyQ where he is focused on growth, operational excellence, business strategy, and client satisfaction. He is a graduate of Grove City College where he studied Religion and History.
You can listen to Charter School Insider: Lessons from the Nation's Top Charter School Operators on your favorite podcasting platform...
