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Liberty Hill ISD approves E‑Rate technology contracts to expand bandwidth and update campus networking
Summary
The board approved multiple E‑Rate funded technology contracts including leased lit fiber Internet, leased wide‑area fiber, and network equipment to increase bandwidth, reduce costs and update campus switches and wireless equipment.
Trustees on Wednesday approved a slate of technology procurements recommended by district staff after an E‑Rate competitive process. The purchases are intended to expand Internet bandwidth, increase the district’s wide-area network speeds between buildings, and replace aging campus networking equipment.
What the board approved
- Leased lit fiber Internet access (Category 1): Staff recommended and the board approved Millennium Telecom as the selected provider for leased lit fiber Internet access from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2028. District staff said the award would double capacity while reducing pricing by more than 50% compared with current costs.
- Leased lit fiber WAN (Category 1): The board approved Spectrum Enterprise for leased lit fiber wide-area network connections linking district campuses to the data center. Staff said the contract will increase speeds about fivefold for each campus and save approximately $75,000 annually compared with current rates.
- Category 2 network equipment and in‑building electronics: The board approved two contracts with MGT Impact Solutions LLC to supply campus switches, access points and internal networking equipment for campuses covered by the E‑Rate category‑2 application. Staff proposed a combined purchase (category 1 and category 2 electronics) to standardize equipment across campuses and maximize E‑Rate discounts; funding will depend on available bond program funds.
Board discussion and procurement notes
District staff said they received multiple bids (40 bids across broadband and equipment categories), dismissed bids that didn’t meet minimum specifications and evaluated finalists based on specifications and long-term compatibility. Staff noted dark‑fiber construction bids were received but were not recommended for initial procurement because construction costs materially exceeded the district’s near-term operating budget advantage.
Budget and funding
Staff requested authority to complete contract negotiations with each chosen provider and said the purchases would be funded from the general fund except where bond funds were required or E‑Rate discounts applied. For equipment purchases, staff requested conditional approval pending availability of bond funds.
Formal action
Trustee Major moved to award the leased lit fiber Internet contract to Millennium Telecom; the board approved the recommendation. Other procurement approvals were made by separate motions and votes during the same action-item sequence.
Provenance: E‑Rate procurement presentations were part of action items 8b–8e and each award was approved by separate board motions during the meeting.
