(a) Schools desiring to become a part of the state-wide distance learning network shall make application to the governing board, which application shall contain:

(1) A statement of need; and

(2) A description of the proposed distance learning system for that school, which shall include projected equipment needs, projected network or transport needs, planned curriculum, the number of students having access to the system, and all other associated needs, with an itemized cost statement for each element of the proposed system.

(b) Upon receipt of the application described in subsection (a) of this Code section, the governing board shall consider the application of the school and the cost statements attendant thereto and shall make a determination regarding the merits of the application.

(c) In considering the merits of the application, the governing board shall consider:

(1) The number of students to be served by the proposed system;

(2) The geographic location of the applicant and whether the granting of the application would contribute to the creation of a state-wide network;

(3) Whether the proposed curriculum meets a special need;

(4) The relative costs of the proposal in relationship to the relative benefit to the public interest; and

(5) Whether the system as proposed is technologically compatible with the preexisting distance learning network.

(d) Upon a determination that the application is meritorious, the governing board shall issue a finding that it will award funds sufficient to cover documented actual costs of construction of the system to the applicant from the Universal Service Fund. The actual award of funds will occur upon completion of construction. Such documented actual costs may not include any capability not used for distance learning, and to the extent that facilities are used for distance learning as well as for other uses the documented actual costs will be prorated accordingly. Documentation of actual costs, which may include but shall not be limited to an affidavit of expenditures accompanied by supporting data, will be submitted to the Georgia Technology Authority upon completion of construction for determination of the specific amount to be awarded.

(e) In addition to the award of actual costs described in subsection (d) of this Code section, the governing board may award sufficient funds to the applicant to cover 50 percent of documented recurring costs for a period of two years.

(f) The Georgia Technology Authority, as administrator of the Universal Service Fund, shall make distributions from the fund in accordance with the awards of the governing board under this part.