Board OKs agreement with Apache Junction for redundant internet link to limit outages

The J O Combs Unified School District governing board voted 5-0 to approve an agreement with Apache Junction Unified School District to join a redundant network link that would provide expanded bandwidth and backup internet coverage for the district.

What was approved: Staff described a cooperative arrangement in which Combs would join Apache Junction’s Mediacom-backed backup loop. The combined connection would increase the district’s contingency capacity from a 2-gig backbone to a 10-gig service in the event of a fiber cut. The district’s recurring cost for participation is $250 per month, according to the presentation.

Why it matters: District staff said the new link would reduce the risk of classroom and campus-wide internet outages that affect instruction, especially at Combs Center for Success and other sites that rely on online learning tools. The arrangement is interim while a federally funded redundant loop is under development.

Legal/contract note: Staff disclosed both districts use the same legal firm to draft the agreement; they noted that if a legal dispute arose both districts would need separate outside counsel because the firm represents both parties currently.

Vote and next steps: The motion to approve the agreement passed unanimously. Staff will finalize the agreement and implement the backup link arrangement.

Ending: The board authorized the district to move forward with the Apache Junction agreement to reduce internet outages and improve bandwidth redundancy pending contract finalization.