Keeping up with technology through E-Rate funding!
The rapid growth of technology can be difficult (and expensive!) to keep up with for school districts. E-Rate* funding enables schools to build and maintain critical technology infrastructure, such as internet access, Wi-Fi networks, and secure connections, essential for modern learning environments.
Through E-Rate funding we have been able to leverage 70-80% discounts to improve our technology infrastructure. Here is a brief summary of some of our E-rate funded projects from the last 4 years:
- Established a fiber connection from Holmes to the Board of Education (Service Loop)
- Procured a Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) for enhanced network security
- Installed internal fiber cabling - connected auditeria and gym basement closets via fiber
- Implementednew network switching equipment district-wide, along with a network redesign - all new switches with a new network design and routing scheme
- Addednew Wi-Fi access points - additional APs to increase coverage and performance
- Maintained an Internet connection to MVECA (Miami Valley Educational Computer Association)
- Deployed Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS)
- Utilized managed services for wireless and wired networks
- Conducted maintenance on district-owned fiber
The projects listed totaled over $500,000. With E-Rate funding, the District's cost was approximately $156,000. Thanks to our District's IT team for their initiative and hard work to keep our district up-to-date in a rapidly evolving tech invironment.
*E-Rate is the commonly used name for the Schools and Libraries Program of the Universal Service Fund, which is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) under the direction of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The program provides discounts to assist schools and libraries in the United States to obtain affordable telecommunications and internet access. It is one of four support programs funded through a universal service fee charged to companies that provide interstate and/or international telecommunications services. Learn more at fcc.gov
