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Board agrees to place E-Rate network upgrades on consent agenda; will add nearly 400 wireless access points
Summary
The board agreed to include district networking contracts on the consent agenda; staff said the work uses E-Rate Category 2 funds to replace end-of-life switches and add nearly 400 wireless access points across school instructional spaces.
Asheville City Schools staff asked the board to move several technology contracts that rely on E-Rate funding to the consent agenda; board members agreed.
Why it matters: The contracts are intended to refresh the district's internal network infrastructure and deploy next-generation wireless access in classrooms. Matt (district technology staff) described the work as finishing a five-year E-Rate Category 2 funding cycle and said it will "provide us with almost 400 new access points for the next generation of wireless access our students need." The work includes Category 1 and Category 2 components: fiber between central office and schools (Category 1) and classroom/distribution infrastructure (Category 2).
Board discussion: Members reiterated the need to be mindful of community optics when large dollar amounts are noted, even though E-Rate and state connectivity funds offset the cost. One board member asked whether the district's wireless infrastructure is at end-of-life; staff confirmed that replacement is necessary to "future proof our network" and to implement new Wi-Fi standards.
Next steps: The board agreed these contracts will appear on the consent agenda.
Sources: District technology statements during the work session.
