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Board approves E-rate projects; district nets roughly $5,081 after federal discounts
Summary
The board approved E-rate-funded technology projects including fiber between district buildings, upgraded hotspots, structured cabling and UPS battery replacements; total project cost $48,007.13 with a net district cost of $5,081.40 after federal and state reimbursements.
The Southgate Community School District Board of Education approved a package of E-rate-funded technology projects on March 28, 2025, that district staff said will cost $48,007.13 in total but will net the district approximately $5,081.40 after federal discounts and state matching funds.
Amy, the district's technology director, told the board that the district's E-rate discounts increased this cycle, allowing reimbursement rates up to 85% for several projects and up to 90% for UPS battery replacements. The projects include adding fiber between the old Asher Building and maintenance, upgrading internet hotspots to newer cellular technology, structured cabling for the old Asher Building, and replacing UPS batteries across the district's closets.
"In previous years we've had access to receive 80% back on all of our projects through the e rate USAC funding. Now with our, new count, we receive up to 85% on our projects," Amy said. She added that the UPS battery replacements are eligible for a 90% discount this year. Amy said she also worked with the state's grant director to secure an additional 5% state match for the fiber connection, which the transcript records as temporarily approved.
Amy told the board the net district cost after the federal rebates and the state match would be $5,081.40. Board members asked about vendor vetting; Amy said current vendors and bidders have been vetted by the district's E-rate consultant and staff. A board member praised Amy's stewardship of district technology funds.
A motion to approve the E-rate projects as presented passed by voice vote with no opposition recorded. The district will proceed with the projects and follow standard E-rate filing and reimbursement procedures.
