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District outlines $1.9M technology request and e‑rate strategy as part of capital package
Summary
Stamford staff told the operations committee they plan a $1.9 million technology equipment request next year and expect up to 80% reimbursement through the federal e‑rate program depending on free/reduced‑lunch percentages; they estimate $3.2 million in e‑rate‑eligible funding over five years.
Stamford School District staff told the operations committee they plan to seek $1.9 million for short‑term technology equipment next year and will pursue federal e‑rate reimbursements and competitive grants to lower local costs.
Alekiah Agman, the district’s assistant director of technology integration, described a multi‑year technology replacement plan and the near‑term infrastructure ask. He said the district’s e‑rate eligibility depends on the percentage of students qualifying for free or reduced‑price lunch and that the next e‑rate cycle will free up additional funds for wiring and classroom upgrades. “We estimate that over 5 years, we will have $3,200,000 to work with,” he said.
What is included: The technology request covers wireless access points, firewalls, upgrades of wiring from data closets to access points and classroom devices, interactive teaching panels, staff desktops and Chromebooks for students. Staff said the district is accounting for a $400,000 shortfall carried from the prior cycle and a small inflation/tariff contingency, which makes the next‑year equipment ask $1.9 million rather than the planned $1.5 million.
E‑rate mechanics and timing: Alekiah explained that the final reimbursement percentage is not fixed on Oct. 1 and that the district waits to submit data as late as possible to capture more accurate free/reduced‑lunch numbers; past cycles yielded the higher reimbursement level. He told the committee the district will request 40% from the planning board for a specific infrastructure line that totals $208,000 for the district’s share, with the remainder to be covered by e‑rate if the district secures the 80% band.
Committee concerns and next steps: Board members asked whether the district is exposed to risk if e‑rate funding comes in lower than expected and whether the district has contingency plans. Staff acknowledged the uncertainty and said the district has historically met the higher reimbursement band but will wait for final counts and report back with the official percentage once the e‑rate submission window closes.
The technology request is part of the broader Resolution 84 capital package the operations committee forwarded to the full board for approval.
