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Board approves E‑Rate networking purchases, hears timeline for reimbursements
Summary
Trustees approved district networking purchases from NetSync totaling roughly $9 million in two items and were briefed on the federal E‑rate reimbursement process (Category 1 rates up to about 85–90%), which requires upfront district payment and later reimbursement over roughly 18–24 months.
The board reviewed two E‑rate‑funded networking procurements from NetSync Network Solutions — one listed at about $7.6 million and a second at roughly $1.415 million — to upgrade switches and wireless access across schools. Staff said Category 1 E‑rate funding can cover up to about 85–90% for eligible services and that the district will pay upfront and submit invoices for reimbursement, a process that can take one to two years.
During questions trustees asked about reimbursement percentages and how the district will phase multi‑year spending. Staff answered that large projects like the $7.6 million initiative will be broken into annual phases over the five‑year spending window to balance deployment and funding timing; staff emphasized the upgrades are intended to improve classroom connectivity and support remote and in‑building learning.
Trustees moved and seconded the authorization for the purchases under the board’s procurement policy; the motion carried by voice vote.
