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Minooka CCSD 201 board approves E‑Rate projects including Jones Elementary cabling and district firewall upgrades
Summary
The board approved a package of E‑Rate projects for 2025 that includes upgraded wired cabling at Jones Elementary and new/updated firewalls districtwide; estimated vendor invoices total roughly $72,000 with partial federal reimbursement under the E‑Rate program.
The Minooka CCSD 201 Board of Education voted to approve a set of E‑Rate–funded technology projects for 2025, including cabling work at Jones Elementary and a district firewall upgrade.
The board approved the package after a presentation by Director of Technology Aaron Souza, who said the district is eligible for roughly 50% reimbursement under the federal E‑Rate program. “After the job is completed, Minooka 201 will pay the entire invoice, then we submit all the paperwork to the federal government for their reimbursement down the road,” Souza said.
Souza described two lead projects. The Jones Elementary cabling project would replace copper and add fiber to link a downstairs to an upstairs network closet and to power wireless access points; the vendor quote is just under $28,000. Souza said the district expects to be eligible for the full 50% reimbursement, which would lower the district’s net cost to about $14,000, but the district budgeted for the full amount in case reimbursement is delayed.
The second major element is a firewall upgrade for the district’s main Internet hubs (the junior high and Minneka Elementary) and additional, smaller firewalls for other buildings. The firewall package, including three years of hardware/software support, is estimated at just under $44,000. Souza said E‑Rate eligibility for different firewall components varies: “The box is eligible for 50% but advanced threat protection is not. Our virus scanning is only 21% eligible,” he said, and estimated roughly $11,000 in reimbursement for the firewall work.
Souza said cabling work would be scheduled immediately after the school year ends to avoid classroom disruption; the firewall work can be done any time over the summer.
Board members voted aye on the motion to approve the E‑Rate projects. The vote was taken by roll call and recorded as five yes votes; the motion carried.
The approval allows the administration to contact recommended vendors and proceed with contracting subject to the standard purchasing and E‑Rate documentation process.
Votes at a glance: E‑Rate Projects 2025 — approved, roll call (5–0).
