Beauregard Parish committees accept E‑Rate Category 2 internal‑connections proposal; district share estimated at roughly 20%

Beauregard Parish School Board procurement staff reported Nov. 10 that eight proposals were received in response to the district’s E‑Rate Category 2 RFP for fiscal year 2026 and recommended acceptance of a comprehensive internal‑connections and maintenance proposal.

Staff clarified that Category 2 funding supports on‑campus network equipment and maintenance (not recurring internet service), and that E‑Rate discounts commonly cover approximately 80% of eligible Category 2 costs with the district covering the remainder. A presenter described the district’s allocation as roughly $207 per student, which would yield an approximate total pot of about $1.1 million for eligible purchases; staff said the district would cover its share spread over five years. “This is more for, like, upgrades … new equipment at the school level,” the procurement presenter said.

Board members asked about total cost and program details, and the procurement presenter offered to have the district’s E‑Rate specialist answer specific technical questions; the specialist was present and available. The board approved the recommended acceptance by voice vote.

What’s next: staff will finalize vendor selection and begin procurement/implementation of approved Category 2 equipment and maintenance items under the approved funding arrangement.