Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Technology Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Elementary fiber break prompts repair; district eyes E‑Rate-funded high school network upgrade
Summary
A damaged fiber run at Molalla Elementary caused an internet outage that was repaired the same day; district IT staff said they will pursue E‑Rate funding for internal high‑school cabling and switch upgrades this summer.
A fiber cable failure at Molalla Elementary caused a temporary internet outage that district technology staff repaired during the June 12 meeting day, and the district's technology director requested board approval to accept E‑Rate funds to rewire the high school and upgrade switches.
Chris Shaw, district technology staff, said Astound began placing fiber and during installation district crews discovered the existing outdoor conduit was not joined and indoor cable had deteriorated from UV exposure. The district engaged contractor MCC to install a new run and restore service; Shaw said the team rerouted phone and notification services while repairs were underway and restored connectivity within hours.
Shaw said the damaged cable was indoor‑rated and had been exposed to weather; the district will replace affected runs with armored outdoor fiber going forward. He also described cybersecurity steps taken this year, including password complexity enforcement, multi‑factor authentication, server consolidation and phishing training through a vendor that includes user incentives.
On E‑Rate work, Shaw reported the district's Category 2 application has approval in principle and would fund high‑school internal connections, cabling and switch upgrades. He said the E‑rate funding would cover the bulk of the project and that the district's share would be paid locally; Shaw asked the board to authorize acceptance of those funds so purchase orders can be issued in July. Board members asked to see the formal summary action; staff said a packet item or work session summary can be provided if trustees prefer to act at the next meeting.
No formal emergency action was required beyond the field repair; the board indicated support for moving the E‑Rate project forward with a follow‑up summary action item.
