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Board approves bidirectional amplifiers to improve radio reception at four schools; cell coverage requires additional funds
Summary
The board approved use of a State of Florida contract to purchase and install bidirectional amplifiers (BDAs) at Bellevue, Dunnellon, Forest and Westport schools to address radio reception problems; staff said BDAs serve public-safety radio frequencies and do not extend cell-phone service without separate funding.
The Marion County School Board on April 8 approved using an existing State of Florida contract to purchase and install bidirectional amplifiers (BDAs) at four district schools to bring radio reception up to state minimums.
District presenters said countywide radio/telecom upgrades improved reception in many places but four campuses still require BDAs: Bellevue, Dunnellon, Forest and Westport. Staff described BDAs as equipment to amplify public-safety radio frequencies, reduce dead spots and improve two-way radio reliability on campus.
Miss McFadden (presenter) said the BDA work was expected to cost “roughly $1,300,000.” She clarified BDAs address radio reception only. Board Member Dr. Campbell asked whether BDAs would improve internal cellphone reception; staff responded that BDAs would not and that additional cell coverage improvements would cost roughly $300,000–$400,000 per school if pursued.
The board approved the contract under the State of Florida alternate contract source (4319000-22NASP0O-ACS) and recorded the vote as 4-0. Staff indicated additional funding would be required to pursue cell-phone coverage improvements at affected campuses and that county coordination on tower upgrades had already produced some improvements.
The approval authorizes staff to schedule installations and coordinate procurement. Board members asked staff to return with schedules and cost estimates if additional cell coverage work is requested.
