MONROE - School library aid from the state will be distributed this week, and for the first time, school libraries will be able to use up to 25 percent of the money to purchase computers and related software in addition to books and media materials the funds are traditionally used for.
"Libraries open the world of information to our children. We needs strong school library programs that reflect the digital age to support our efforts to boost achievement for all students and close the achievement gap," State Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster said in a news release. "The Common School Fund provides and important source of funding for school libraries, and this year offers an exceptional opportunity to purchase computers along with books and periodical acquisitions."
Every spring, annual earnings from the Common School Fund are distributed to school districts throughout the state. Money is distributed based on how many children between the ages of 4 and 20 are living in the district. For the 2007-2008 school year, the per pupil rate is $28.09, an increase of $5.01 from last year.
This year's aid will allow libraries to purchase about one hardcover children's or young adult book per child.
Area school districts and the amount they received are:
• Albany, $14,131
• Argyle, $10,956
• Black Hawk, $25,846
• Brodhead, $42,140
• Darlington, $31,212
• Juda, $11,378
• Monroe, $101,220
• Monticello, $12,642
• New Glarus, $29,667
• Pecatonica, $18,598
The Department of Public Instruction sent library payments to districts Monday. The aid must be used by June 30, according to state statutes. Money can be used on print and digital books, reference and professional resources, newspapers and periodicals; videos, cassettes, CDs and DVDs; digital, video-streamed or web-based resources; pre-processing fees for shelf-ready resources or book rebinding; library automation software; Wisconsin history resources; and computers and related software for the school library's instructional program.
"Libraries open the world of information to our children. We needs strong school library programs that reflect the digital age to support our efforts to boost achievement for all students and close the achievement gap," State Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster said in a news release. "The Common School Fund provides and important source of funding for school libraries, and this year offers an exceptional opportunity to purchase computers along with books and periodical acquisitions."
Every spring, annual earnings from the Common School Fund are distributed to school districts throughout the state. Money is distributed based on how many children between the ages of 4 and 20 are living in the district. For the 2007-2008 school year, the per pupil rate is $28.09, an increase of $5.01 from last year.
This year's aid will allow libraries to purchase about one hardcover children's or young adult book per child.
Area school districts and the amount they received are:
• Albany, $14,131
• Argyle, $10,956
• Black Hawk, $25,846
• Brodhead, $42,140
• Darlington, $31,212
• Juda, $11,378
• Monroe, $101,220
• Monticello, $12,642
• New Glarus, $29,667
• Pecatonica, $18,598
The Department of Public Instruction sent library payments to districts Monday. The aid must be used by June 30, according to state statutes. Money can be used on print and digital books, reference and professional resources, newspapers and periodicals; videos, cassettes, CDs and DVDs; digital, video-streamed or web-based resources; pre-processing fees for shelf-ready resources or book rebinding; library automation software; Wisconsin history resources; and computers and related software for the school library's instructional program.