District reviews E‑Rate bids and pilots AI dash cameras for buses
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Summary
Technology staff outlined three open E‑Rate bids to support Wi‑Fi and building connectivity (including the First Street building) while transportation announced a trial of AI-powered dash cameras to speed video retrieval; board members requested more details on eligibility and data handling.
Greg, a district technology staff member, told the committee that the district has three bids open to leverage E‑Rate funding for Wi‑Fi support and network connectivity, including adding the new First Street building to the district network. He explained that E‑Rate reimbursements vary by service and that some services may be only partially eligible for reimbursement.
"It does have strict rules around what services are eligible, and not all services that are eligible are a 100% eligible," Greg said, noting the district must act promptly on bids to meet E‑Rate program deadlines if satisfactory proposals are received.
In transportation, staff outlined cost-saving measures including reclaiming field-trip costs, setting idle timers to reduce fuel use and combining midday routes with special education to improve efficiency. The department is also piloting AI-powered dash cameras on select buses; a key feature described by staff is the ability to retrieve footage instantly rather than spending hours pulling video.
Board members expressed interest in more technical and policy details about the AI pilot, including retention and privacy safeguards. Transportation staff said they would provide a more in-depth description and follow up with committee members.
No formal procurement decision was made during the meeting; the committee was briefed so staff could proceed with procurement timelines tied to E‑Rate eligibility and to develop more information about the AI-camera pilot for future review.
