Taylor board approves E‑Rate worksheet and nearly $928,000 in grant technology purchases

The Taylor School District Board voted Feb. 18 to approve the district’s 2026–2027 E‑Rate Worksheet and a grant‑funded technology purchasing plan totaling $928,010.52.

Mr. Ross reviewed the E‑Rate proposal, distinguishing Category 1 (wide‑area delivery) and Category 2 (internal network/equipment). The board approved Category 1 and 2 requests and named Crown Castle and Inicom as Category 1/2 vendors. Staff estimated a one‑time district cost of $5,860 for a Category 1 circuit reuse to the Fisher building and an 84‑month recurring district share of approximately $287 per month (the district covers 10% of eligible costs). Mr. Ross said the district expects roughly $1.1 million in Category 2 funding during the new five‑year E‑Rate cycle and is reserving budget for future high‑school recabling.

Separately, the board approved a package of grant‑funded classroom devices. The grant request included 39 smart boards ($132,624.60), 70 laptops ($59,335.50), 1,242 Chromebooks for elementary schools ($437,506.92), a high‑school 9th‑grade device cycle ($123,133.50) and middle‑school sets (~360 units each, ~ $165,000). The total grant request recorded in the minutes is $928,010.52. Trustee Kathie Fields noted Chromebook attrition is estimated around 20% (approximately 15% at high school level) and staff said measures such as keeping devices in classrooms and periodic refresh purchases are planned.

Votes: the E‑Rate worksheet motion (mover Ann Block; supporter Korey Morris) passed 6‑0; the 2025/2026 Technology Grant Budget (mover Korey Morris; supporter Kathie Fields) passed 6‑0.

Funding sources for these purchases were recorded as the district’s General Fund for some items with the district pursuing a state infrastructure grant when applications open. The board approved the items and directed staff to proceed with the E‑Rate applications and procurement under the approved budget.