A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT appropriating funds to address the information technology needs of 21st century learners in the public schools.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.(a)  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) the sum of fifty-two million dollars ($52,000,000) for the 2006‑2007 fiscal year for the State Board of Education Instructional Programming, Access, and Support Fund.
SECTION 1.(b)  These funds shall be allocated by the State Board of Education to support instructional goals and professional development for 21st Century learners, as (i) outlined in the publication entitled "IMPACT: Guidelines for North Carolina Media and Technology Programs", (ii) defined in the North Carolina Educational Technology Plan, and (iii) detailed in DPI‑approved local educational agency (LEA) technology plans, by:
(1)	Expanding access to instructional technology resources and the support necessary to advance students' ability to compete in the expanding global economy.
(2)	Increasing the ability of the State's educators to effectively use technology resources for instruction and their own professional learning.
(3)	Supplementing, not supplanting, current State, local, and federal funding for technology programs.
(4)	Designating funds for the following purposes:
a.	Technology facilitator salaries and benefits.
b.	Technician salaries and benefits.
c.	Technology‑related professional development.
d.	Access to instructional resources, including computer hardware, software, connectivity, infrastructure, and repairs.
e.	Other initiatives to advance instructional programs, access, and support as included in DPI-approved and monitored LEA technology plans.
SECTION 2.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2006.