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Event
Demystifying the Package: Surprise Opportunities, Accountability and Transparency - Florida
April 27, 2009
- Do you have the right partners?
- How are you planning for accountability and transparency of economic stimulus projects?
- Are there specialized sources of money in the bill that you should know about?
The 'Great Recession' is taking a lot out of public education. The federal stimulus - known formerly as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) - is intended to put a share of an allocated $787 billion back in. It is being used to stabilize budgets and forestall layoffs of teachers in the short term. In the long term, it also offers the potential to help remake education through strategic investments in educational technology, broadband connectivity, school modernization, direct support for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and community service block grants.
And, while it's true that there are millions and millions of dollars available to education for technology, broadband deployment and school modernization, we have also discovered some interesting opportunities for the education community to pursue in some of the "not so obvious" places in the bill.
Converge and its Center for Digital Education have been tracking the bill since early January, detailing the provisions of the 1,100-page bill and documenting each new development in the roll-out of this important new funding stream.
BACK TO TOP
Agenda
8:30 a.m.
Registration - (coffee, visit tabletop exhibits)
9:00 a.m.
Introductions
9:15 a.m.
I. Finding Opportunity in 1,100 Pages of Bill
Among the different funding channels for the state, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provides Florida millions of dollars in ed-tech funds to purchase up-to-date computers and software. In addition to these funds, there are community service block grants, broadband monies, school modernization funds, STEM support dollars and more. Converge and its Center for Digital Education has been tracking the bill since early January. The research team is conducting a constant scan of media and political coverage. This session will offer a few fresh ideas about non-traditional funding channels.
John Miri, Senior Fellow, the Center for Digital Government and Education
Alan Williams, Senior Fellow, the Center for Digital Government and Education
9:30 a.m.
II. Perspectives and Partnerships
What plans are underway? How can I identify strategic partners?
Local executives from higher ed, K-12 and economic development teams and the private sector will share current plans, programs and ideas.
Panel:
Pam Birtolo, Chief Learning Officer, Florida Virtual School
Carrie Blanchard, Senior Aide to the Mayor, Intergovernmental Liaison regarding Economic Stimulus Projects
Bryan Desloge, Leon County Commissioner, District 4, Board Representative, Tallahassee Economic Development Council (invited)
Reginald James, Superintendent, Gadsden County (invited)
Kate Kemker, Director, Technology and Innovation, Florida State Department of Education
Bill Law, President, Tallahassee Community College
Don Winstead, Deputy Secretary for the Florida Department of Children and Families, Florida Stimulus “Czar” (invited)
11:45 a.m.
Transparency, Accountability and the ARRA
The federal government has made it clear that the ARRA funds will have strict reporting requirements. The transparency and accountability conversation is a vital part of strategic planning for projects moving forward with ARRA funding. The Center will offer tips, definitions and points to consider helping education executives prepare for the next 24 months.
John Miri, Senior Fellow, the Center for Digital Government and Education
Alan Williams, Senior Fellow, the Center for Digital Government and Education
Noon
Lunch will be served
1 p.m.
Adjourn
Location
Residence Inn by MarriottTallahassee/Universities at the Capitol
600 W Gaines Street
Tallahassee, FL 32304-4308
850.329.9080
There is complimentary parking onsite. Visit the hotel site for maps and directions.
