Canton Local board approves E‑Rate-funded network upgrade

The Canton Local Board of Education on March 26 approved a resolution authorizing Grama corporation to provide computer networking equipment and professional services procured through the E Rate federal program, a board member reported.

Unidentified Speaker 2, reporting during the treasurer's report, said two bids were received for the project: a Florida-based company bid about $1.5 million, while Kai Corporation submitted a lower bid of $491,008.45. "Again, we'll be able to recoup up 80% of that up to 321,000, I believe," Unidentified Speaker 2 said, adding that the district's share would be roughly $170,000. The speaker said the work would place the district in a "pretty good spot for another 8 to 10 years."

Board members called for a roll call vote on the resolution; the roll produced affirmative votes with no opposing votes announced in the reported segment and the resolution was recorded as approved. The transcript does not identify a mover or seconder for the motion.

The project is funded in part through the federal E‑Rate program, which provides partial reimbursement for eligible school and library communications services and equipment. The resolution authorizes procurement and professional services consistent with that program; the transcript does not specify a contract number, timeline for installation, or vendor-selection details beyond the two bid amounts reported.

What happens next: staff will proceed with procurement consistent with the approved resolution and E‑Rate reimbursement rules. The transcript includes no further details on installation timing or contractor start dates.