Clay County board approves E-Rate consultant, opens bids for internet and dark fiber

The Clay County School Board voted on Oct. 10 to hire a consultant to prepare E-Rate-compliant bid specifications and to post requests for proposals for internet connectivity and a dark-fiber lease.

"We are at the point in our E-Rate cycle that we need to renew our bid process for our dark fiber," said Mr. Upchurch, who addressed the board on the technology items. He told members the consultant would write specifications to allow multiple internet service providers to bid and help the district keep E-Rate paperwork compliant.

Upchurch said the districts E-Rate reimbursement rate is currently about 90%, and that securing E-Rate funding is important to reduce local costs. He said he expected "two to three bids for internet connectivity" once specifications were posted, and that Twin Lakes would likely be the sole bidder for dark fiber because of existing phone lines connecting all schools.

Board member Mr. Ashlock moved to approve the consultant contract; Mr. West seconded. The board approved the contract and then voted to request bids for internet connectivity and a dark-fiber lease by voice vote.

The board and staff framed the consultant role as technical and administrative: writing specifications that meet federal E-Rate program requirements and protecting the districts eligibility for reimbursement. Officials said the consultant under consideration conducts state E-Rate training and also provides consulting services to other districts.

Next steps: the district will complete specifications with the consultant, post the bids, and evaluate responses. Board members said the process is intended to invite more competition for internet service and potentially reduce costs, while acknowledging the dark-fiber market in the county may remain limited.