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Committee approves requests to advertise RFPs for districtwide internet and network equipment; staff cites ~85% E‑Rate reimbursement
Summary
The finance committee authorized advertising an RFP for telecommunications services (internet/phone) and separate RFP for network equipment; staff said these items are E‑Rate eligible at roughly 85% reimbursement and the telecom contract would begin July 1, 2026.
At the Oct. 14 finance committee meeting, district technology staff requested permission to advertise two solicitations: one for telecommunications services (Internet and phone) and a second for network equipment such as access points and switches. Mister Fernandez said the telecom contract being proposed would be a 36‑month term beginning July 1, 2026, with an optional 24‑month extension to align with E‑Rate funding cycles.
"Our current provider is Cox Communications," Fernandez said when asked about the incumbent. He explained that the E‑Rate program (administered through the FCC) typically reimburses a large portion of eligible costs; staff estimated reimbursement at approximately 85% for the district.
The board moved both requests forward. Dr. Lemoine moved to send the telecom RFP to the full board; the motion passed with the committee reporting the vote as 7–0. A separate motion to solicit network equipment (mover: Mister Campbell; second: Doctor Lemoine) also passed, reported as 7–0. Board members discussed lifecycle planning for equipment (staff noted a roughly five‑year replacement cycle and that funding is set aside per student during multi‑year E‑Rate awards). Specific contract dollar amounts and vendor selections will be determined during the RFP and evaluation process.
