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District staff seek board approval to spend E-rate Category 2 funds on access points and switches
Summary
Technology staff proposed using unused E-rate Category 2 funding to buy roughly 230 wireless access points, five PoE switches, and two UPS units across 10 sites. The estimated equipment cost is around $426,000 with an 85% E-rate discount reducing the district share to about $64,000 if approved.
Lancaster ISD technology staff reviewed the district's available E-rate Category 2 funds and proposed purchases to improve wireless connectivity across campuses. The E-rate program (administered by USAC) provides a five-year funding cycle based on enrollment and economic-disadvantage metrics; Lancaster qualifies for the highest discount level (85%).
Mr. Anthony Thornhill told trustees the district spent a little over $560,000 in the prior E-rate cycle and still has unused funds. Staff recommended purchasing about 230 access points, five PoE switches and two UPS units for roughly 10 locations; the estimated pre-discount cost is about $426,000 and the district share after the 85% discount would be approximately $64,000.
Thornhill said funds not used in the current cycle do not roll over, so the district seeks to maximize available dollars. Trustees offered informal support; no formal vote took place at the work session, and staff said a board action item will be brought to approve contract awards at a future meeting if the board wishes to proceed.
