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Board briefed on E‑Rate proposals to upgrade fiber backbone and replace aging UPS units
Summary
Technology staff outlined two E‑Rate-funded projects: replacing multimode backbone fiber with single‑mode fiber to boost district bandwidth, and replacing aging UPS units in network closets; estimated project totals discussed and trustees requested budget-source details before a formal vote.
District technology staff presented two E‑Rate projects under consideration for formal approval at a future meeting: a structured cabling upgrade (replace multimode backbone fiber with single‑mode fiber to support multi‑gigabit speeds) and replacement of end‑of‑life uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) in network closets.
Mr. Smith explained the technical rationale: the current multimode fiber is legacy infrastructure and upgrading to single‑mode fiber will “bring us up to 1 gig, potentially up to 20, 40…100 gigs, future proofing any projects down the road.” He said existing UPS units were eight to nine years old and lack remote environmental alerts; new UPS units will provide early failure warnings via email.
Board members asked whether costs were budgeted and whether bond funds would be used. Administration said the projects were planned within a multi‑year technology budget and that an increased technology allocation was added for the 2025–26 school year; they will provide specifics on which portions might be covered by general operating funds versus bond funds before the next vote. Trustees also confirmed the E‑Rate program would reimburse roughly 40% of eligible costs; quoted package totals were the gross amounts before expected reimbursement.
