Board awards network security and wireless contracts to HighPoint Networks with E-rate support

The Robbinsdale Area Schools board voted Feb. 18 to award two technology contracts to HighPoint Networks: a FortiGate next-generation firewall replacement and an Aruba Central wireless network management solution.

IT staff explained the district's current firewalls are reaching end-of-life and require replacement this summer; the FortiGate proposal from HighPoint scored highest in the RFP evaluation and included intrusion protection, application control and analytics. "Our current firewalls are reaching end of life and end of support this summer, requiring replacement, to maintain network security," the IT presenter said.

Both procurements will be supported largely by E-rate funding with remaining costs covered by the district's technology levy; contracts require signatures by the March 2025 E-rate deadline and implementation is planned for summer 2025 to reduce disruption during the school year. Directors asked about evaluation criteria and vendor experience; staff said the RFP used a weighted matrix where E-rate cost was a high-weight factor along with vendor references and local support capabilities. The board approved both recommended awards (firewall and Aruba Central) by roll-call votes (each 5-1).