[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6567143,"mediaKeyId","3194601-c2357231451de4c22aab6f270d59cf31","parentId",3194601,"title","Board agrees to place E-Rate network upgrades on consent agenda; will add nearly 400 wireless access points","audioSeconds",1153,"startMs",1239000,"endMs",2392000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3194601-c2357231451de4c22aab6f270d59cf31&start=1239&end=2392","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3194601-c2357231451de4c22aab6f270d59cf31/thumbnail_1239000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6567143/North-Carolina/Board-agrees-to-place-E-Rate-network-upgrades-on-consent-agenda-will-add-nearly-400-wireless-access-points","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6567143-ef62a2a3008a56d3a719d5a95347eeeb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159460&Signature=f1yk~656ihW30-wU7pa~ZLvyHNn8MhWrzCADYfVrc7iuooYAi80nrcMsaPvx0qBQp7eoLa48CytdAThoHlarqBUt4mqzqgffqLzhic7oG2tRFDahzdBG~MlWFAanOEUrEXAri9RdaQT4Yh26~1nlO8lZ-JlpMHpaG7ZNrO2G~RpEePz8mFltTDPnBTaSmarjHWFtNKB-guHup8Vo8WMLrlZhHy4NSGIdK-MFyIJXde7ETY5M0BVMguaKgR2ELhyKyBl~wc5eU8I3Jn~lpFllFOTcc~inSGpwTspPWbEtzbAAZQtmn-AnryI4yv~~q18Zm6lG4~Xb~u99tHj8lB1OyQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Asheville City Schools","date","2025-05-05T23:51:43.237Z","article","Asheville City Schools staff asked the board to move several technology contracts that rely on E-Rate funding to the consent agenda; board members agreed.

Why it matters: The contracts are intended to refresh the district's internal network infrastructure and deploy next-generation wireless access in classrooms. Matt (district technology staff) described the work as finishing a five-year E-Rate Category 2 funding cycle and said it will \"provide us with almost 400 new access points for the next generation of wireless access our students need.\" The work includes Category 1 and Category 2 components: fiber between central office and schools (Category 1) and classroom/distribution infrastructure (Category 2).

Board discussion: Members reiterated the need to be mindful of community optics when large dollar amounts are noted, even though E-Rate and state connectivity funds offset the cost. One board member asked whether the district's wireless infrastructure is at end-of-life; staff confirmed that replacement is necessary to \"future proof our network\" and to implement new Wi-Fi standards.

Next steps: The board agreed these contracts will appear on the consent agenda.

Sources: District technology statements during the work session.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Asheville City Board of Education Work and Closed Session 5/5/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The board agreed to include district networking contracts on the consent agenda; staff said the work uses E-Rate Category 2 funds to replace end-of-life switches and add nearly 400 wireless access points across school instructional spaces.","taxTitle","Asheville City Schools, School Districts, North Carolina","taxId",57001,"location","North Carolina","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6567146,"Board asks for more data on purchase of 900 student laptops; staff cites device lifecycle and savings",712,2741000,3453000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3194601-c2357231451de4c22aab6f270d59cf31&start=2741&end=3453","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3194601-c2357231451de4c22aab6f270d59cf31/thumbnail_2741000.jpg","/articles/6567146/North-Carolina/Board-asks-for-more-data-on-purchase-of-900-student-laptops-staff-cites-device-lifecycle-and-savings","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6567146-a727e7501bad524d1393adc91f05b241/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159460&Signature=Tid5D5hc~2OjoDhSsnm2~43RUgxFvWDykemeztqtmJ-9RvrZ2ijmP7VLDAMsQJdnTnLNFbpl57KIrDiyA3GFUvSL~t5sD4kuJljHkyaMMp5nFQFYVfpZfEhmBuhCnZsRB04d4i5FVPIiZjahyfZkj9B-RGHMyivjqvgNxRTfQ3T2kyFatxKEJt3Fj997FQAqiMPvsnJPp0~8lOMG8fMParwmYx2CG7epIZIiK4SeYHDjZgAx76~WDxsVAF3e3Dpwi8~NRKZeJERtHsTMbxh4WZVa2q16ZXT0ZHCUY9chn~pE2Cmd45Bhh8EA~-hhfI9nHCBB1H0GWOHoge4MKTCBPQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District technology staff presented a proposal to buy 900 student laptops (Chromebooks) to refresh devices that the district runs on a four-year warranty cycle; board members asked for more information about classroom usage, grant possibilities and whether all elementary grades need one-to-one devices.

Lede and why it matters: Technology staff said the 900 laptops would replace devices reaching the end of their four- to five-year life, serve incoming freshmen and sixth graders, and allow older devices to cascade down to younger students. Staff told the board the vendor change and model selection reduced the unit cost by roughly $150 compared with prior purchases. A staff member summarized: \"The 900 student laptops represented here are what we need to be able to retire our 5 year old student laptops and replace them with new ones.\" The board did not approve the purchase at the work session and asked for more information.

Questions from the board: Several board members asked whether all third- through sixth-grade classrooms require a one-to-one device ratio and asked staff to survey teachers and principals about actual instructional use before committing the expenditure. One board member said, \"I would like us to always be asking those questions and not assume that because we've had computers available ... that that's always that one computer per student is really necessary.\" Staff responded that end-of-grade testing and device lifecycle considerations factor into the district's refresh schedule and that a failure to purchase would create shortages because older devices will reach the end of warranty.

Timing and funding: Staff said Chromebooks would be purchased in July to prepare devices for incoming students and that missing the current procurement window would make it difficult to have devices ready for the start of school. Board members asked about grants; staff said E-Rate funds cannot be used to purchase student devices and that no known grant was immediately available to cover the order. One member said she was comfortable placing the item on the consent agenda if the requested teacher/principal usage information was gathered; other members wanted the item on the regular agenda so it could be discussed further.

Board direction: The board agreed to move the purchase to the regular board meeting for a fuller review of teacher/principal feedback, possible grant options and the district's refresh strategy. Staff said they would provide additional information to the board before the next meeting.","District staff proposed buying 900 Chromebooks to refresh the student device fleet; board members asked for teacher input, usage data and possible grant options and decided to place the purchase on the regular agenda for further discussion rather than consent.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6567148,"Board delays Chartwells amendment to allow more information on employee compensation and invoicing",668,1481000,2149000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3194601-c2357231451de4c22aab6f270d59cf31&start=1481&end=2149","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3194601-c2357231451de4c22aab6f270d59cf31/thumbnail_1481000.jpg","/articles/6567148/North-Carolina/Board-delays-Chartwells-amendment-to-allow-more-information-on-employee-compensation-and-invoicing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6567148-da965d9acb1a11034d38e6b6c1b9f0e0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159460&Signature=J1PBVfsPhDEbzhL-owbsIM0vGBRIhMpoeoAbvFi44lw1ESnkq6e0934wLhDlGfWSdlQHYrzEGag~u8gXSyoqN51hFZwm2neFfuFzpfL94vGJoqI9tC-Lv-eBhWjaein5pfLCtEiZxupNKBXA4RebqI3Z2vJRzA5v1liUaH3E8Tk~cCJheR0GAHKDbDyP-aEpN0Dlhj3GY3ZTQUCkT-CRqSG67b~e-7lVRGZAbVgaibvqh2Qc64unSDJLy7TinmKoy-Pl0bzPEJWzNjkA6ZlS62~LwiJcBfm6tHLN7rKkGWljpZCzxHXzzzlLheurWfryByVSlPU0IE283ZeWTBfwBA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Asheville City Schools Board of Education did not place a proposed amendment to its Chartwells food-service contract on the consent agenda and asked staff for more detail on how the arrangement affects employee pay, benefits and program costs.

Why it matters: Board members expressed concern about potential changes in compensation and benefits for school nutrition workers if Chartwells employs food-service staff instead of the district. One board member said, \"I don't want to be saving money by reducing compensation to our food and nutrition workers,\" and asked staff to provide the underlying contract, previous amendments and financial comparisons.

What staff said: District staff explained that Chartwells' invoices typically separate food operating costs from salary and fringe benefits and that those direct invoices allow the district to control and review salary costs. A Chartwells representative said, \"Charles invoices in 2 parts,\" and staff confirmed the district currently pays some Chartwells salaries and benefits directly by separate invoice. Staff also noted that private employment through a vendor can affect summer unemployment eligibility; a staff member explained that private employers sometimes provide unemployment in the summer that district employees do not receive.

Board direction: Members requested the underlying contract, prior amendments and additional cost breakdowns be provided before a vote. The chair said the amendment would not go on the consent agenda and would be up for a vote at the next board meeting after staff sends the requested materials.

Next steps: Staff said it would email the underlying contract and additional financial information to the board ahead of next week's meeting.","Board members asked for more detail about a proposed Chartwells contract amendment after concerns that outsourcing could reduce pay or benefits for current food service workers; staff said Chartwells invoices salary and benefits separately and that the amendment will be brought as an action item next week with additional information.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6567149,"Asheville City Schools approves portable security screening contract over one dissent",790,145000,935000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3194601-c2357231451de4c22aab6f270d59cf31&start=145&end=935","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3194601-c2357231451de4c22aab6f270d59cf31/thumbnail_145000.jpg","/articles/6567149/North-Carolina/Asheville-City-Schools-approves-portable-security-screening-contract-over-one-dissent","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6567149-10b45f7a9d8fcdb5163b4196c562c3a3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159460&Signature=MbuIZg5L4j1Fz48ZrtTuThh7Dy23JD-GbeHem-qYOVrggFPzq~zwThkopnnCJHzvZsM0aD0LlsUZddySjvUrdPw3~7E33Om4Iwk4q4P3mC1sg8KT0f-j7hiy9WVsQmaVYZkqUn~QAnE9OQNF3jcxQesD4NcOcMTaHg7-VrBv7XoKSq0rB1UnHQQjoP2Jupzg5cuYgJL8OPYuu8FZ0HvUwNadApNTZka6yM-TnyD-FY0RmaJWjr7LjrM796gCstJzRYV8D4MNuZdnv7ZsejddE9pxJbG9l7aoCLI3pXCisBABx0Jtqqq2GWQdbnSXmKs7Cwns2nu1FTiHzBPGZH7FAg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Asheville City Schools on Thursday approved a contract to purchase portable walk-through security screening equipment to be used at large events and some secondary campuses, with one board member opposed.

Board members approved the contract after district staff said the purchase is funded by a state grant and must be in the district's possession by June 30 to meet grant requirements. April Dockery, a district staff member who presented the item, told the board, \"we are using grant money to secure this, we have to procure the equipment, which means we have to not only purchase it, but have it in our possession by the June 30 date.\" The board approved the motion to contract with the vendor identified in the proposal; one member voted no.

Why it matters: The district has long discussed screening options for safety; the units would be portable so they can be used at graduations, sporting events and other large gatherings. Dockery said the chosen portable units weigh about 50 pounds each, can run on battery backup or a hard-wired power source and are designed for rapid throughput compared with hand-held wands. Board members asked whether students would be required to pass through the devices during the school day; Dockery said, \"Not currently, no,\" and that student screening at campuses is being discussed by the district safety council.

Details and debate: Board members pressed staff on several practical and community questions. One member asked, \"What is the harm of waiting until our regular board meeting where we normally take action to vote on this?\" citing the short notice to vote in a work session. Dockery said procurement and delivery timing tied to the grant deadline drove the request for the earlier vote.

Several members raised concerns about optics: one board member asked why the district would spend grant-funded equipment when the district is simultaneously discussing personnel reductions. Dockery responded that the grant was written specifically for equipment and not for personnel, and that no local funds would be used for the purchase. Another member noted the contract lists an annual maintenance fee of $10,500 and asked whether the 50% discount shown in the paperwork was real; Dockery said staff negotiated pricing and had support from district technology staff and local partners.

How the devices would be used: Dockery said the district intends to start with portable units for large events and to make them available to secondary campuses as principals request them. She described graduation last year as an example: a sheriff's department unit was used and processing about 4,000 guests by wanding took 90 minutes and delayed the ceremony by about 15 minutes; staff said the portable units should speed entry. Dockery said previous requests from alternative program leadership and student listening sessions had driven interest in a walk-through device as an alternative to wanding.

Votes at a glance: The board recorded a vote on this contract; meeting audio indicates \"one opposed and otherwise the ayes have it.\" The meeting transcript does not list individual vote names for this motion. The board also handled several policy and procurement items during the same session (see separate articles).

Next steps: The contract was approved and staff will proceed with the purchase and scheduling of units for events. Staff said they will continue conversations at the district safety council about whether and where student screening will be used during school hours.

Sources: Statements and answers by April Dockery and exchanges with board members during the Asheville City Schools work session.","The Asheville City Schools board voted to approve a contract to buy portable walk-through screening units using state grant funds, amid questions from board members about timing, student screening and optics during budget cuts.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board agrees to place E-Rate network upgrades on consent agenda; will add nearly 400 wireless access points

Board asks for more data on purchase of 900 student laptops; staff cites device lifecycle and savings

Board delays Chartwells amendment to allow more information on employee compensation and invoicing

Asheville City Schools approves portable security screening contract over one dissent