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Board delays $2.7M network‑switches contract pending IT director hire
Summary
Trustees voted 6–0 on May 19 to postpone approval of a $2.7 million E‑Rate network‑switches contract until a new IT director is hired and onboarded, with a target return by Sept. 15; the delay followed board concern about project ownership and operational risk.
The Newark Unified School District board voted on May 19 to postpone action on a $2.7 million proposal to replace network switches districtwide and contract ongoing network support, citing concerns about internal ownership and project oversight.
Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Victoria Knudson and district procurement staff said the vendor proposal includes switches and five years of support; the district expects a 60% reimbursement through an E‑Rate JPA arrangement, leaving a 40% local cost. Jenna Lee Panaflor (CBO staff) and a vendor representative explained the procurement and timing options, including a price lock through this E‑Rate cycle.
Several trustees and staff urged caution because the district’s IT director position is vacant. Trustee [Member Wen] and Trustee [Member Hill] warned the board that rolling out a major infrastructure upgrade without an in‑house IT owner risks operational failures; Hill called the timing "foolhardy" and urged delay until the district has an accountable IT director in place. The superintendent said project management resources (CPM) and the vendor’s project manager could help ensure continuity, but left the timing choice to the board.
Board Member [Member Hill] moved to postpone approval until a new IT director is hired and onboarded and to return with the item no later than Sept. 15; the motion was seconded and approved 6–0. The board requested that the contracted vendor present a rollout timeline and implementation plan when the item returns for action.
Staff explained that if the district waits beyond the current E‑Rate cycle, it risks higher prices and a repeat procurement process, but that E‑Rate pricing can be held open through the calendar year. The board asked staff to pursue the IT director hire with expedited urgency and to bring vendor timelines to the board when the item is resubmitted.
Action summary: motion to postpone passed 6–0; item to be returned to the board no later than Sept. 15, contingent on having an IT director in place.
