North Pike School District board approves E‑Rate Form 471 purchase agreement to lock technology bid rates

The North Pike School District board approved an addendum to an E‑Rate Form 471 purchase agreement that will allow the district to lock in vendor bid rates for up to five years as it applies for federal E‑Rate funding, board members heard.

Unidentified Speaker 3 said the superintendent recommended approval of the addendum. District staff member Teddy Jackson explained the timing and purpose: “Every five years, we’re eligible to apply for E‑Rate,” he said, adding that the district works with the Rubenbaugh Group to manage the application process and ensure the integrity of filings. Jackson said the agreement acts as “almost like a placeholder” that secures the bid rates; “we don’t have to purchase anything, but it’s there at that rate,” he said.

Jackson told the board the district competitively bid the work and received a low bid; the addendum would lock those rates for the next five years under the E‑Rate cycle. The transcript indicates staff members Tina, Mr. Hallmark and Mr. Young were involved in preparing the item, and the superintendent recommended approval.

After the presentation, an unidentified board member moved to approve the E‑Rate purchase agreement; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The board did not record a roll-call tally in the transcript.

The agreement is intended to preserve the district’s current bid pricing while E‑Rate application and funding processes proceed; it does not require immediate purchases, according to staff.