Board approves internet installation at athletic complex, citing safety and coverage gaps

The Johnson County School Board approved Masia Electric quotes to install Internet connectivity at the district’s athletic complex and the ISS building, with quoted costs discussed in the meeting and the district reporting funds available in communications and technology budgets.

Administrators told the board the athletic complex is a campus “dead zone” for cellular and data coverage and that connecting the fields is important for emergency communications, Raptor badge coverage and to support athletics' video‑scouting and streaming tools. An athletics staff member said the lack of Wi‑Fi prevents the baseball and softball programs from using existing film and scouting systems and forces coaches to rely on personal data plans.

The board considered whether to solicit additional bids; one member noted the item had been tabled previously to seek more bids. Staff responded that they had not received additional bidders and explained logistical constraints. Finance staff confirmed the district could pay for the work from communications and technology allocations without pulling funds from reserves.

A motion to approve the quotes carried after discussion. Board members asked staff to follow procurement policies and to confirm schedule and installation timeline.

What happens next: Staff will finalize the contract with Masia Electric, schedule installation and coordinate with campus safety and athletic staff on testing and roll‑out. The district expects the work to be funded from the communications/technology accounts identified in the financial summary.