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Granite City board approves $253,252 network upgrade with CARES/ESSER funds
Summary
The Granite City CUSD 9 board authorized purchase of Cisco Meraki wireless access points using CARES Act/ESSER digital-relief grant money to replace aging equipment and improve in-school connectivity for devices purchased during the pandemic.
At its regular meeting the Granite City CUSD 9 Board of Education approved purchasing Cisco Meraki wireless access points under a CARES Act/ESSER digital-relief grant, selecting CDW‑G’s low bid of $253,252.46.
Superintendent Cam told the board the district currently has 227 Meraki access points installed and recommended buying 300 units to replace the aging devices and to add roughly 73 more to improve coverage. "This will provide better coverage throughout the buildings for an increased number of wireless devices, including Chromebooks," Cam said, describing the purchase as necessary because of increased device use during COVID and the district's one‑to‑one Chromebook program.
Administrators presented three vendor bids. CDW‑G’s total was $253,252.46 (hardware, five‑year licenses and network switch licensing); the two other bids were higher (around $328,000). Board members asked whether the purchase was covered entirely by grant funds and were told the ESSER/digital grant would fund the acquisition and that the district budget would not be tapped for this purchase.
Board members moved and the board approved the CDW‑G purchase on a roll‑call vote. The superintendent and staff said licensing costs and multi‑year support were included in the recommended award. The district will proceed with procurement and implementation consistent with the grant terms.
