First Nations SchoolNet has endured a significant funding decrease this year.  This is not news to many of our First Nations schools that have been supported by SchoolNet initiatives over the past years.  The summary of the funding decrease is this:

2003/2004 - 2,000,000
2008/2009 - 522,000

Overall, the SchoolNet core program has had a 75% decrease and the Youth program compondent has maintained the same level of funding.

In 2008/2009 SchoolNet was funded $480,000 for the youth initiative and $522,000 for the overall SchoolNet program which includes connectivity and capactiy development which must support all First Nations schools in British Columbia. 
(For more information on the budget visit our website at www.fnschools.ca and check out the First Nations SchoolNet Workshop Presenation.)

One million dollars does sound like a lot of money, and it is if it were intended to serve only a handful of schools and not 130.  Our reality is that we have $522,00 for the core SchoolNet program which covers connectivity charges, technical support and some training.  That means that other initiatives like providing your school with hardware/software haven't been available.

To ensure that we are supporting schools the best we can, we have decided to focus our budget, resources and time on the areas you have said are important.  The initiatives that are under-utilized and/or in need of additional funding to be successful have been let go.  This approach means that SchoolNet will offer fewer services, but we will do them well and in the most sustainable manner possible.


So, which SchoolNet services are here to stay you ask?

Connectivity - SchoolNet will continue to pay your connectivity charges.  Please continue to send us the invoices from your internet service providers (ISPs).
 
COOL School - The COOL School license has been purchased for another year.  Please contact Dayna Anderson at daynaa@fnesc.ca to find out more about COOL School and for information on registration.  Visit their website to see if COOL School is for you! http://online.openschool.bc.ca/

In-Service Training - Click to learn more - http://www.fnschools.ca/in_service_ws
 
Technical Support - Click to learn more - http://fnschools.ca/tech_support


Please find below a list of initiatives we will not be continuing to support.

e-Library - Although a useful tool, this initiative was only used by 2 or 3 schools last year and the cost of the program is considerable.  The license was not renewed this year and has now expired.

Hardware/Software - SchoolNet understands the need for continual support in this area.  We have heard many schools tell us that their computers are too old or that there are not enough.  We encourage you to check out Computers for Schools http://www.cfsbc.ca/ and other hardware/software providers you may know of.  If you would like to share your resouces with other First Nation Schools please do so on our website www.fnschools.ca and put it up in the WHERE SCHOOLS CONNECT blog.