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Board approves robotics travel, network switch purchase and TESOL training; minutes and bills cleared
Summary
Roswell Independent Schools trustees approved two out-of-state robotics trips for Early College High School, awarded an E‑rate network switch purchase, and accepted a professional-development contract for teachers of English learners. The board also approved minutes and routine bills.
The Roswell Independent Schools Board of Education approved a set of routine and program-specific items during its meeting, including two out-of-state robotics trips for Early College High School, a recommended vendor for district network switches under the E‑rate program, and a professional-development contract for teachers of English language learners.
Board members voted unanimously by voice to allow Early College High School’s robotics team to travel to the Belton, Texas competition March 6–8 and to the robotics championship in Houston, Texas, April 16–19, conditional on qualification for the championship. Connor Nolan, an Early College High School student, told the board the team focuses on spreading STEM in the community and asked for the board’s permission to travel. The Belton trip motion was made by Board Member James Edwards and seconded by Board Member Ashby; the Houston trip motion was made by Ashby and seconded by Edwards. The board chair called the ayes and said the motions carried.
The board accepted the administration’s recommendation to purchase district network switches through Educational Technological, Inc. as the responsive bidder for an E‑rate-funded refresh of the district’s Cisco network equipment. IT staff told trustees three responsive bidders submitted proposals and that the last refresh occurred in about 2017–18. Officials said E‑rate funding will cover most of the hardware cost and that the Public School Facilities Authority will pay a remaining percentage.
Trustees also approved a professional-development contract for teachers of English language learners with TESOL, selected from three responsive proposals. Dr. Laura Lucero Carrillo, who served on the review committee, said TESOL was recommended because its program can be tailored to district teachers’ specific needs rather than a generic curriculum.
On routine business, the board approved the minutes of the Jan. 13, 2025 regular meeting, accepted January bills and authorized February bills. All motions on the consent and action agendas were approved by voice vote.
Votes at a glance - Early College High School travel to Belton, Texas, March 6–8, 2025: motion to approve (mover: James Edwards; seconder: Ashby). Outcome: approved by voice vote. - Early College High School travel to Houston, Texas (robotics championship), April 16–19, 2025 (conditional on qualification): motion to approve (mover: Ashby; seconder: James Edwards). Outcome: approved by voice vote. - E‑rate network switches — recommended award to Educational Technological, Inc.: motion to approve (mover: James Edwards; seconder: Ashby). Outcome: approved by voice vote. Notes: three responsive bidders; Cisco equipment; E‑rate funding assumed to cover majority of cost; PSFA covers remaining percentage. - Professional development for teachers of English language learners — recommended award to TESOL: motion to approve (mover: James Edwards; seconder: Ashby). Outcome: approved by voice vote. Notes: three responsive proposals; committee included district staff and Dr. Laura Lucero Carrillo. - Minutes and routine bills (consent agenda): motion to approve (mover: Ashby; seconder: James Edwards). Outcome: approved by voice vote.
Board members and staff said the action items were part of regular district operations: approving student travel when competitions exceed mileage limits, replacing aging network hardware, and contracting targeted training for English learners’ teachers. Several trustees thanked district staff for the procurement and review work.
