Rowan County board accepts $24,936 State Technology Fund offer, agrees to matching funds

At its March 17 special call meeting, the Rowan County Board of Education voted to accept a State Technology Fund offer of assistance from the School Facilities Construction Commission totaling $24,936 and to equally match that amount from district funds.

The district plans to use the combined funding to support technology infrastructure, including fiber, site needs and licensing. The presenter explained the funding is one of multiple yearly offers commonly called CATS funds; accepting each round brings additional per‑student dollars. “We generally, in a given year, will get three offers of assistance to help with technology,” the presenter said. The board noted the district typically matches the state funds from its budget.

Board members moved and seconded the motion; Mr. Bridal seconded the motion when a second was identified. The board voted to approve the motion with a voice vote: “Aye.” No board member voiced opposition and the motion passed.

During discussion, the presenter explained typical technology costs the funds help cover, naming fiber and licensing as examples and noting Microsoft licensing uses about $15,000 of the anticipated allocation. The presenter said the three offers combined typically produce roughly $75,000 in state funds over time and that the district plans to match those offers in the budget.

Motion: “Motion to accept State Technology Fund Offer of Assistance from the School Facilities Construction Commission in the amount of $24,936 and to equally match the funds.” Outcome: Approved (voice vote).

No statutory citations were provided during the discussion. The board did not attach additional conditions to the acceptance during the meeting.