E-Rate
E - Rate is a program of the Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) of the Universal Service Administrative Company to provide affordable access to telecommunications services for all eligible schools and libraries in the United States. Funded at up to $2.25 billion annually, the Program provides discounts on
- Telecommunications services
- Internet access
- Internal connections
Since SCDOE provides Internet access for school districts, SDGC is eligible to file for telecommunications services and internal connections only. Discount percentage is determined for each school and for the District using percentage of Free and Reduced Lunch and various demographic factors. To qualify for E - Rate discounts, each school district must have a specific Technology Plan. Once all criteria are met, we as a District submit applications for individual schools, as well as District-Wide for discounted phone service.
E - Rate has strict timelines and guidelines to follow. Even though the process can be very involved, it definitely has it's rewards. These discounts are usually not in the form of a check. The majority of savings are reflected in discounts taken off the total invoice from the vendor. These discounts help reduce the amount we spend on eligible projects, thus freeing up funding to support other technology requirements.
Additional information on E-Rate in the School District of Greenville County is available from the ETS Special Projects Office. Phone: 355-3112; e-mail: twingo@greenville.k12.sc.us
GSTAR
GSTAR is the administrative support system that is available district-wide. It supports the following functions:
- Communication Labels
- J. D. Edwards World Software - this software support the district's central office functions list below
- Financials
- Fixed Assets
- Human Resources
- Payroll
- Purchasing
- Warehouse
- Reports - in addition to the J. D. Edwards software GSTAR includes extensive custom reports. Some examples are listed below.
- Account Budget Report
- Available Sick & Vacation Time
- Location Roster
- Personal Leave Totals
- Time and Pay
- Substitute Time
- CARS to Payroll - School can verify teacher absence information and substitute time in one simple step. The information is then fed directly to the payroll, virtually eliminating the need for school staff to key teacher and substitute timecards.
- On-line Field Trip Request/Permits - Schools can enter field trip request and verify approvals on screen. No more telephone tag with the bus offices.