Trustees approve network, bus Wi‑Fi, security and facility contracts; adopt personnel resolutions and calendar

The Robla School District Board of Trustees approved a slate of contracts, resolutions and facility projects in a single meeting, voting unanimously on each action.

Votes at a glance: the board approved (1) an Aruba network-switch replacement under RFP 25-105 to modernize aging switches, (2) a contract with T‑Mobile to expand Wi‑Fi on school buses by using cellular connections (making the service E‑Rate eligible), (3) a contract with Sacramento Valley Lock Works to install additional digital door locks at the district office, (4) the district’s 2024–25 second interim report with a positive certification, (5) resolutions to dismiss certain certificated probationary employees (Resolution 9-20) and certain certificated temporary employees (Resolution 9-21), (6) adoption of the first day of school for 2025–26 (Resolution 9-22) as Aug. 13, 2025, (7) playground repairs at Bell Avenue Preschool, and (8) campus field and play-area renovations at Taylor Street, Bell Avenue and Glenwood. The board also approved sunshine proposals for bargaining negotiations between the district and the Classified School Employees Association (CSEA) chapter 285 in both directions.

IT and operations staff told trustees the Aruba switch project is a phased replacement because E‑Rate reimbursement limits and funding cycles prevented replacing all sites at once. An IT speaker said E‑Rate “reimburses the district between 80–90% the overall cost” for eligible items and explained phasing helps staff learn to operate and maintain new equipment.

Board members asked questions about the bus Wi‑Fi item, including whether electric buses are in daily use; staff confirmed the district is using electric buses daily and that the T‑Mobile contract will make bus connections available as a student Wi‑Fi hotspot in addition to vehicle telemetry. Trustees also asked whether digital locks are planned for school sites; staff said the immediate contract covers the district office and that a cost-benefit analysis would be needed before expanding to school sites.

All action items on the agenda were moved, seconded and approved by voice vote with no recorded no votes or abstentions.

Details on several approved items:

- Aruba network switch solution (RFP 25‑105): approved; staff said equipment replaces aging, unsupported switches; funding in part from E‑Rate; rollout will be phased to match E‑Rate cycles.

- T‑Mobile bus Wi‑Fi: approved; expands cellular connectivity to provide Wi‑Fi on buses and is E‑Rate eligible because the district is repurposing existing cellular telemetry connections.

- Sacramento Valley Lock Works (digital door locks): approved for additional locks at the district office; staff said district office needs more restricted access than school sites and that a future cost-benefit analysis would be required to expand the system to campuses.

- Playground repairs and campus field renovations (Bell Avenue Preschool; Taylor Street, Bell Avenue and Glenwood): approved to enhance outdoor learning and play areas; staff said landscaping and field upgrades will expand program and after-school opportunities.

- Personnel resolutions (Resolutions 9‑20 and 9‑21): trustees adopted resolutions to dismiss certain certificated probationary and temporary employees; the motions carried unanimously.

- School calendar resolution (Resolution 9‑22): trustees adopted Aug. 13, 2025, as the first day of school for 2025–26; staff said calendar-setting is coordinated with the teachers’ bargaining unit and was needed to meet scheduling timelines.

Several trustees thanked staff and noted continued attention to security, technology and after‑school programming. No items failed or were tabled at the meeting.