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<p class="MsoNormal">Greetings,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">While there has been a lot of communication urging libraries to file the Form 471 early I would like to pass on that EdTech Strategies, the contractor paid by the Library of Michigan to provide expert E-Rate assistance through the co-op
directors, is recommending:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><b><span style="color:red">For today, my best advice would be to urge your libraries to wait a bit before trying to submit applications.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Testing that took place on Monday proved frustrating and we are hoping for changes to be made to the form even at this point. In addition, SLD will likely issue some tips, guidance and so forth to help with the current form.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><b><span style="color:red">While it will be important to get started early, waiting a week or two might help in terms of either fixes or guidance that might help to reduce some of the issues that are likely to occur
when trying to complete the form.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black">Sonya Schryer Norris<br>
<br>
Library Consultant and Plinkit Coordinator<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black">Library of Michigan<br>
517-373-4457<br>
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;color:black"><a href="http://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan"><span style="color:blue">http://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan</span></a><br>
<a href="http://www.mel.org/"><span style="color:blue">http://www.mel.org</span></a><br>
<a href="http://www.michlibrary.org/"><span style="color:blue">http://www.michlibrary.org</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;color:#31849B">Invest in a child’s future today. Support the MDE Culture of Reading.</span></i><span style="color:#00B050">
</span><a href="http://www.michigan.gov/cultureofreading"><span style="color:blue">www.michigan.gov/cultureofreading</span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><img border="0" width="176" height="106" id="Picture_x0020_1" src="cid:image001.jpg@01D02FFE.33B28300" alt="Culture of Reading-A (2)"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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