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Board presses for broadband fixes as SB 556 stalls; EduNet and generator plans advance
Summary
Technology Services and the Superintendent reported on the failure of SB 556 and ongoing work to expand broadband (EduNet), pursue external router installs, and secure a backup generator to protect the county internet hub.
Colusa County Office of Education technology leaders reiterated long-standing broadband challenges and advocacy efforts after the Governor declined to sign SB 556, a bill that would have allowed LEAs to rent space on light and telephone poles to extend internet signals. Michael West said he was "disappointed to announce that the Governor did not sign SB 556," and staff described continued engagement with legislators, Frontier representatives and regional partners to pursue alternatives and raise awareness of rural connectivity shortfalls.
Alex Evans described technical steps underway — EduNet router installations at districts, migration of network monitoring tools, and a plan to add an external transfer switch to allow a stored portable generator to provide emergency power for the county internet hub at the library. The Board asked staff to continue coordination with county IT and to report back on costs and installation timelines.
