Trustees ask staff for quotes after debate over $6,300 fiber termination vs. low-cost AirFiber for press box

District staff reported a vendor quote to terminate and rack fiber in the new press box of roughly $6,300, not including a network switch or the cost to pull fiber and install equipment. Trustees questioned whether a lower-cost point-to-point wireless solution (AirFiber) could meet the district’s needs for security cameras and event streaming; one trustee said comparable AirFiber links and antennas can be found for “sub $2,000.”

An administrator described the current infrastructure challenges: when the old press box was removed, the previously run conduit was damaged, and there is no active fiber to the new box. Staff said contractors had stubbed conduits and a short run remained to be completed; trustees argued staff should solicit comparative quotes for directional drilling and full fiber installation versus wireless alternatives and determine what existing racks and sound-system space could accommodate.

Why it matters: connectivity affects the district’s ability to stream games, run security cameras and provide network access during campus events. Trustees directed staff to obtain multiple quotes, check insurance recovery for earlier conduit damage, and consult the regional IU/CIU for technical support and potential cost-sharing or alternatives.

Next steps: staff will gather comparative quotes (fiber termination and pull, rack equipment, switch costs, and point-to-point wireless alternatives), verify insurance adjustments, and report back to trustees for a vendor-selection decision.