Only you can make that decision for your library, but to help, here are some calculations.
The primary measure for determining E-rate discounts is the percentage of students eligible for free and reduced lunches under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) calculated by individual school.
Use these steps to make your calculation, though there may be circumstances which make your calculations more complex. Check the SLD website for complete instructions on how to figure your discount.
- The Connecticut State Department of Education’s Division of Evaluation and Research has computed the percent of students eligible for free and reduced lunches; see their School Profiles page (Regular Education for 2003-2004). You will need to know the school district in which your library is located.
- All but a few Connecticut towns are considered ‘urban’ (see this SLD webpage to check your town’s urban/rural status).
- Plug your figures (% free and reduced lunches) into the discount matrix. The result will be your discount or reimbursement percentage.
- Apply that percent to your bills, either telecommunications or internet. The resulting figures will be what you are eligible to receive in either reimbursements or discounts.
If you are unable to view the information or require assistance, please contact Douglas Lord.
Discount Matrix
If you are applying for E-rate discounts on eligible services, you must calculate the percentage discount that you are eligible to receive. For detailed information about how to calculate the percentage discount, read Calculating Your Discount in the Reference Area.
INCOME Measured by % of students eligible for the National School Lunch Program | URBAN LOCATION Discount | RURAL LOCATION Discount |
If the % of students in your school that qualifies for the National School Lunch Program is… | …and you are in an URBAN area, your discount will be… | …and you are in a RURAL area, your discount will be… |
Less than 1% | 20% | 25% |
1% to 19% | 40% | 50% |
20% to 34% | 50% | 60% |
35% to 49% | 60% | 70% |
50% to 74% | 80% | 80% |
75% to 100% | 90% | 90% |
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