Donation & Distribution of Surplus Computers to Washington K-12 Public Schools

The 1999 Washington Legislature passed ESSB 5175, which states that "state-owned, surplus computers and computer-related equipment may be donated to any school district or educational service district under the guidelines and distribution standards established ..." [Complete text of RCW 43.19.19191]. Please note that these are ONLY available to public K-12 schools in the State of Washington.

Distribution & Use of State Surplus Equipment

All state surplus computers and computer-related equipment that are picked up by GA or delivered to the GA warehouse will be used in these ways:

• Standard Equipment, meeting minimum Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) standards, will be refurbished through the Computers 4 Kids (C4K) Program and distributed to public K-12 schools (see Request Process) in accordance with established priorities.
• Sub-Standard (below OSPI standard) equipment will be resold through the established GA process and be available for purchase by state agencies, governmental entities, private non-profits, or the general public. A portion of the proceeds of this sale will be used to support the C4K Program.

In order to ensure equity, there are to be NO DIRECT DONATIONS of surplus computers or computer-related equipment by state agencies, or community colleges and universities to school districts outside of this process.

About these guidelines and procedures

OSPI has worked collaboratively with General Administration, Department of Corrections, K-12 school districts, ESDs, and other state agencies to develop these guidelines and distribution standards, and invites feedback or questions from interested parties to Dennis Small via e-mail at dennis.small@k12.wa.us

Information for non-public schools, non-profits, and schools outside of Washington State

Computers for Learning allows government agencies and the private sector to transfer surplus computers and related equipment. Arrangements to transfer this technology to schools and educational nonprofit organizations can be made through this site. Special consideration will be given to those with the greatest need (those located in a Federal empowerment zone or enterprise community). Eligibility information to participate in CFL is available online at http://www.computers.fed.gov/public/abouteligibility.asp.