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Warrick schools approve Astound and Cisco contracts; board hears warnings about E-Rate funding risks
Summary
The board authorized Astound service agreements for lit fiber and dedicated internet and approved Cisco equipment procurement under E-Rate funding; administrators warned that a drop in E-Rate discounts (currently ~70%) would require major budget adjustments.
The Warrick County School Corporation board approved multiple information-technology agreements, including service contracts with Astound for lit fiber connectivity and dedicated Internet access, and a procurement of Cisco network equipment through Keller Schroeder under the E-Rate program.
Todd Armstrong told the board the fiber agreement covers 10 locations and noted a 60-month term. For network infrastructure, the district will contract Keller Schroeder to provide Cisco equipment and perform installations identified in the RFP. Board members approved the requests by voice vote.
During questions, board members pressed staff on the district's dependence on E-Rate discounts. Armstrong said the district currently receives about a 70% E-Rate discount and provided an illustrative example: equipment and access points costing approximately $900,000 would be substantially more without the discount, and monthly fiber costs could increase by several thousand dollars per site if discount levels fell. Armstrong stated the district has E-Rate funding approved for three years but acknowledged reduced future discounts would require the district to restructure budgets or absorb higher costs.
Board members endorsed the contracts but expressed concern about the 'what if' scenario if E-Rate funding changed. Administration said they will plan around the current three-year approvals and will return to the board with budgeting adjustments if needed.
