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Nashville board approves short-term Zayo Education LLC extension while RFP and E-rate filing proceed
Summary
To preserve continuity of internet and phone service and protect eligibility for federal E-rate funding, the MNPS board approved an extension for a consortium contract with Zayo Education LLC while a district-focused RFP and potential protests are resolved.
The Metro Nashville Public Schools board voted to approve a short-term extension for a consortium contract with Zayo Education LLC after district staff explained a prior RFP produced protests and a new, district-specific procurement is underway.
Member Elrod raised questions about reliability and the need for the extension, noting past service interruptions and asking why the district would continue a relationship with a provider that had operational lapses. An unidentified district staff member said the previous RFP was protested, the district pulled it to review the process, and a new RFP focused on the district's needs was still under review. Staff said the extension preserves options while the procurement completes and protects eligibility for federal E-rate funding, which has a filing deadline the district needs to meet.
"We had a previous RFP. There was a protest for that RFP process," the staff member told the board, describing the procurement timeline and the rationale for preserving a consortium contract as an option in case of further protests or delays.
Member Elrod said the district's internet and phone service "has definitely not been as consistent operationally," and raised the risk of continuing a relationship without clearer assurances. Staff responded that the extension can be cancelled if another awardee is selected and that the intent was to preserve continuity and funding options while the new procurement proceeds.
The motion to approve the contract extension was moved by Member Elrod, seconded by Member Mays, and passed unanimously by the board.
District staff said the new RFP would focus on MNPS's needs and that E-rate consultants are involved to help ensure federal funding continuity; the existing contract expires in July 2026 and staff said the extension was intended to prevent service interruptions while implementation timelines for any replacement vendor are clarified.
The board directed staff to continue the RFP process and to report back on award decisions; the extension granted is cancellable should a new vendor be selected and implementation readiness demonstrated.
