Demystifying the Package: Surprise Opportunities, Accountability and Transparency - Illinois

April 30, 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.

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Agenda

8:30 a.m.
Registration (coffee, visit tabletop exhibits)

9:00 a.m.
Introductions

9:15 a.m.
Finding Opportunity in 1,100 Pages of Bill

Among the different funding channels for the state, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provides Illinois millions of dollars in ed-tech funds to purchase up-to-date computers and software. 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.

Todd Sander, Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Government and Education
About the speaker: Todd Sander serves as Deputy Director for the Center for Digital Government. Todd has enjoyed a long and diverse experience in the public sector and with technology. Sander has worked extensively with federal, state and local government since the early 1990s to improve public service though the use of information technology. He has served as Chief Information Officer/Assistant City Manager for the City of Tucson, Deputy CIO for the State of Washington and worked as a consultant in support of the Department of Defense, national intelligence communities and multi-state law enforcement agencies. He has received several national honors including the 2003 National Public Technologist of the Year by Public Technology Incorporated.

9:30 a.m.
Perspectives and Partnerships Town Hall Discussion

Attendees will be invited to participate in a discussion about what local plans are underway, discuss strategic partnerships and ideas for the future!

Moderator: Todd Sander, Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Government and Education
Co-Moderator: Sharnell Jackson, CEO, The Dawn Foundation, former CEO, Chicago Public Schools

Panel:

John Barr, Technology Specialist, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Bureau of Technology and Industrial Competitiveness
Jerry Field, EdD, Industrial Technology and Management, Illinois Institute of Technology
David Thornburg, Futurist, Author, Founder and Director, The Thornburg Center
Bruce Montgomery, Executive Producer & Host Technology Access Television
Bob Vavra, Editor, Plant Engineering

11:30 a.m.
Transparency, Accountability and 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.

Todd Sander, Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Government and Education

Noon
Lunch will be served

1:00 p.m.
Adjourn

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Location

Ambassador East Hotel
1301 North State Parkway
Chicago, IL 60610
312.787.7200

PARKING (prices subject to change without notice)
Valet parking is available at the hotel.
0-4 Hours $10
4-8 Hours $27
Greater than 8 Hours $45

MAP / DIRECTIONS
For a map and directions, visit the Ambassador website.

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