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Board approves Promethean panel contract and preapproves e‑rate Category 2 purchases
Summary
The board approved a low‑bid purchase of 60 Promethean panels and carts for $169,080 and granted preapproval up to $65,000 for e‑rate Category 2 network equipment; staff said the federal e‑rate program covers about 85% of Category 2 costs and the district will pursue state reimbursement for the local share.
The Surry County Schools Board of Education approved technology purchases during its Sept. 1 meeting, including a contract for Promethean classroom panels and preapproval to begin e‑rate procurement for network equipment.
Procurement staff presented the low bid for Promethean panels (the winning bidder identified as Traferra/Travera) for 60 panels and carts at $169,080 and said the district will stage purchases over a seven‑year plan to reach broader deployment. After a motion and second, the board approved the low‑bid award by voice vote.
On a separate item, staff requested blanket preapproval of up to $65,000 for e‑rate Category 2 equipment — network wiring, switches and access points. Staff explained that the federal e‑rate program covers roughly 85% of Category 2 costs, the district covers the remaining ~15% (which the state will reimburse), and the preapproval will allow bidding to proceed with state review. The board approved the preapproval so staff can start the procurement and reimbursement process with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
Board members asked about rollout timing and noted the classroom panels' portability; staff described the devices as mobile units on wheels for flexible classroom use. No roll‑call vote totals were recorded in the meeting transcript.
