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Board approves application for federal E-Rate Category 2 funding to upgrade network equipment
Summary
The board voted to authorize an application for E-Rate Category 2 funding to replace routers, switches and wireless access points at multiple schools, a move district staff said could save about $400,000.
The Lenoir County Board of Education approved a motion Dec. 9 to apply for federal E-Rate Category 2 funding to upgrade network infrastructure at several schools and the district office.
District technology staff described six proposals in the district’s E-Rate mini-bid process to replace core redundant routers and power supplies, internal switching at Kinston High School, switching and Wi-Fi equipment at multiple elementary schools and aging access points at South Lenoir High School. Staff said the committee evaluated 24 bids and recommended purchases contingent on USAC approval of the E-Rate funding request.
Officials explained the E-Rate program provides discounts based on the district’s free-and-reduced lunch percentage; Lenoir County qualifies for high discount levels. District staff said Category 1 connectivity funding is rebated at 90% and Category 2 equipment at roughly 80% for the district’s discount level, and they estimated about $400,000 in district savings if the applications are approved.
Board members approved the application and authorized the district to proceed with the vendor selections contingent on USAC approval. Staff will submit the E-Rate forms to USAC and proceed with purchase orders if the funding is granted.
