By PETER HUSSMANN
Newton schools are eligible to receive more than $540,000 for the purchase of new technology as a result of a class-action lawsuit that awards schools statewide more than $60 million.
The money is part of a $179.95 million settlement of a class action lawsuit against Microsoft Corporation alleging the company overcharged Iowa consumers and businesses for certain products. The Iowa School Microsoft Settlement program was established under the settlement so that Iowa schools would receive approximately half of the funds not claimed by consumers.
Approximately 75 percent of schools in Iowa, more than 1,000, are eligible to take part in the program. The funds will be distributed to schools through vouchers for software and hardware product purchases.
Two other school districts in Jasper County are also eligible to receive funds. Baxter High School is eligible for $44,066.01 from the settlement while the Colfax-Mingo elementary, middle school and high school can receive a total of $140,138.97.
"These funds come at a critical time, not only in helping our schools improve access to the latest technology but to use that technology to implement the Iowa Core Curriculum," said Gov. Chet Culver at a press conference in Des Moines on Tuesday announcing the awards. "As we work to innovate and rethink our approach to education in Iowa, these funds will supplement our efforts to improve student learning."
Schools were identified for participation in the award program based upon the percentage of students eligible to receive free or reduced lunches. For elementary and middle schools, the percentage was 23.8 percent and above. For high schools the percentage of students reported in the free or reduced lunch count was 18.9 percent and above.
The funds must be used on computer hardware and software which assists a school in implementing the Iowa Core Curriculum. Schools seeking funds must submit an application linking the school's technology purchase with its use in regard to implementing the Core Curriculum program.
Vouchers will be distributed beginning in January with schools having until Aug. 16, 2013 to redeem them.
Following are the award eligibility funding amounts provided to each of the Newton schools followed by the percentage of students eligible for free or reduced lunches.
- Aurora Heights: $44,635.73 - 44.7 percent
- Basics and Beyond: $15,433.26 - 51.3 percent
- Berg Elementary: $71,447.63 - 35.4 percent
- Berg Middle: $68,857.85 - 37.6 percent
- Emerson Hough: $43,874.03 - 59.7 percent
- Newton Senior High: 202,459.95 - 29.8 percent
- Thomas Jefferson: $52,862.11 - 39.2 percent
- Woodrow Wilson: $47,530.19 - 32.1 percent
"We are pleased to have been able to negotiate this significant award to the Iowa Department of Education as part of this settlement," said Roxanne Conlin, one of the attorneys in the case and now a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate. The $75 million awarded to attorneys in the case is coming under attack after the announcement of the voucher program. The Iowa Independent reports that here.
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