Clarke County board tables Cisco phone renewal amid diversity, competition concerns
Summary
After questions about a long-standing state contract and local disparity goals, the Clarke County School Board voted to table approval of a Cisco phone-system renewal to December so staff can provide procurement details and alternatives.
The Clarke County School Board on Thursday delayed approval of a renewal for the district—s Cisco phone and security system after members pressed staff for more procurement details and alternatives.
Superintendent Dr. Denice Scott and technology staff described the purchase as a renewal of the district—s Cisco contract tied to a state contract (procured through CDW) that covers telephony, door controls and security integrations. Staff said some district systems cannot be moved to fully web-based telephony because of hardware dependencies such as doorbells and security interfaces.
Board members acknowledged those technical constraints but also raised equity and procurement questions. Linda Davis asked whether the district—s long-term reliance on the state contract forecloses local vendors or efforts to expand contracting opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses. "If we continue to renew the same contract year after year, we're not giving anyone else an opportunity," she said.
Dr. Lakeisha Gant moved a substitute motion to table the item until the board—s December meeting so the district can clarify contract dates, the effect of any signed renewal, and whether alternative vendors on state-approved lists could provide competitive options. The motion to table passed on a voice vote.
The board directed staff to return with: the contract—s formal start and expiration dates, whether the district would breach any signed agreement by delaying approval, pricing history and the procurement path that placed the vendor on the state contract list. The board also asked staff to summarize what, if any, local bidders would be capable of meeting the district—s technical needs.
Next steps: the Cisco purchase will remain on the agenda but deferred to December while staff gather the requested procurement details and legal counsel reviews contract obligations.
