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Board briefed on E‑Rate plan to replace decade‑old wireless infrastructure
Summary
The district plans to use E‑Rate funding to replace 10‑year‑old wireless access points and switches, seeking a 60% federal reimbursement. Administration asked the board to sign vendor documents to start the funding process; final approval of the district's 40% share will follow after a funding letter.
Crestwood School District technology officials told the board they are pursuing federal E‑Rate funding to replace wireless access points and network switches that are reaching the end of a 10‑year service life.
Director of Technology Mr. Blanchard said the district put out bids and identified a vendor that scored best on price and evaluation. The E‑Rate program will reimburse approximately 60% of eligible costs; the district would be responsible for the remaining 40% if it proceeds. "We're following what's called an SPI procedure which will allow us to only pay the 40% of the total cost. So, once we get the funding letter, we would then approve the 40% remaining balance," Mr. Blanchard said.
Mr. Blanchard said the board signing the vendor quote before the April 1st filing deadline would start the E‑Rate process and keep a 12‑month price guarantee from the vendor. If the district receives a funding letter (typically six to eight weeks), the board would then vote on paying the local share so the vendor can order equipment for a summer installation window. Blanchard emphasized cybersecurity and device compatibility as reasons for timely replacement: many wireless access points are approaching a 10‑year useful life and older devices can present vulnerabilities.
No final purchasing vote was taken in committee; the administration said it will present cost‑share details to the full board when the funding letter arrives.
