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Lincoln Way approves $801,218 wired network refresh; expects 40% E‑Rate reimbursement
Summary
The board approved a district wired network core and IDF switch replacement from Juniper through CDW for $801,218.55, a change from the district’s current Aruba infrastructure; the district expects about 40% reimbursement through the federal E‑Rate program.
The Lincoln Way Board of Education approved a wired network upgrade and refresh that will replace the district’s core and IDF switches, move currently Aruba-based infrastructure toward Juniper hardware, and add ports and backbone bandwidth to support future projects.
District technology staff said the January 2025 request for proposals through the federal E‑Rate process produced multiple vendor responses. CDW’s Juniper bid for $801,218.55 was recommended by district staff because of competitive hardware pricing and Juniper’s AI-driven management features. The presentation noted several neighboring districts are moving to Juniper as well. The district anticipates roughly a 40% E‑Rate reimbursement on the project and included the work in its five‑year technology plan.
Board members asked about price differences among vendors; staff responded that one vendor’s higher quote reflected substantially larger professional‑services charges. Following discussion, a motion to approve the upgrade and refresh passed unanimously.
District staff said the upgraded switches will support connectivity for computers, phones, copiers, wireless access point uplinks, security cameras, digital signage and planned initiatives such as a wireless upgrade and emergency alerting/intercom updates.
