Agenda Item
b. Internet Connectivity Options (Not to exceed $360,000) ~ Updated 9.5.2024
Summary: Present by: Monika T. Davis, Chief Information Officer, Division of Information and Instructional Technology
Request: It is requested the Board of Education approve the purchase of internet connectivity options and associated infrastructure components from T-Mobile in an amount not to exceed $360,000. The district will utilize the State of Georgia contract for T-Mobile.
Why: The purpose of this agenda item is to support the district’s ongoing efforts to provide students equitable access to the technology tools necessary in a hybrid/remote learning environment.
Details: The district is committed to providing necessary support for every student participating in remote learning experiences. This request specifically addresses the need to purchase internet connectivity options to assist students in households without connectivity to the internet.
All requests for assistance will be vetted and reviewed by the district. In addition, utilization will be monitored to ensure return on investment.
Board Policy DJE allows purchases to be made through contracts formally solicited and obtained by the State of Georgia to achieve cost savings and administrative efficiencies. As a result, the internet connectivity options purchases will utilize:
Georgia Technology Authority No. 9800-GTA794-T for T-Mobile
Financial impact: FINANCIAL IMPACT:
$360,000
General Funds
100.2800.553000.00011.7600.9990.0308.070.0000
Contact: Monika T. Davis, Chief Information Officer, Division of Information and Instructional Technology, 678-676-1274
Effective: Upon Board Approval
Status: Approved by the Office of Legal Affairs
Chronology of Internet Connectivity
The district is committed to providing necessary support for every student participating in
remote learning experiences. Hotspots provide access to students in households without
connectivity to the internet. All requests for assistance are vetted and reviewed by the district.
The following chronology outlines the district’s engagement with internet connectivity
resources:
Year BOE Approval Amount Spent
2021 – 2022 $1,500,000 $720,000.00
2022 - 2023 $1,500,000 $450,000.23
2023 - 2024 $ 500,000 $500,000.00
2024 - 2025 $ 360,000 (requested)
There has been a significant decrease in the number of hotspots requested in the past three
years from 1957 in 2022, 726 in 2023, and an uptick in 2024 at 957 requests. As a result, the
district will request funding for 1500 devices (1500 x 12 months x $20 = $360,000). If there is a
need, additional hotspot purchases will be brought to the Board of Education for approval.
The goal is to ensure the district is positioned to provide equitable access to connectivity
beyond our physical learning environment.