Agenda Item
h. E-RATE Category 1 Offsite Student Internet Connectivity Options (Not to exceed $240,660)
Summary: Presented by: Dr. Kermit Belcher, Chief Information Officer, Division of Information & Instructional Technology
Request: It is requested the Board of Education approve the purchase of internet connectivity options and associated infrastructure components from T-Mobile for an amount not to exceed $240,660. The district cost should not exceed $46,746, after the 90% E-rate discount.
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 students 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.
The United States Congress passed a law authorizing the FCC to fund Internet connectivity technologies for K-12 schools, based on a school’s free and reduced lunch percentage.
The program covers or has covered:
● E-rate Category 1 (formerly Priority 1): Provides equipment and services to attach DCSD buildings to the DCSD Wide Area Network as well as Internet connectivity and Wireless hotspots. Current purchases, if approved, are reimbursed by up to 90%.
T-Mobile hotspots are eligible for E-rate funding. The E-rate program helps schools and libraries receive funding for eligible equipment and connectivity services, including mobile wireless Internet services that can be supported by and delivered with Wi-Fi hotspots.
Financial impact: If E-rate is awarded, the pre-discounted amount shall not exceed $240,660. The district cost should not exceed $46,746 after the 90% E-rate discount.
General Fund 100.2800.553000.00011.7600.9990.0308.070.0000
Contact: Dr. Kermit Belcher, Chief Information Officer, Division of Information & Instructional Technology, 678.676.1274
Effective: July 2025
Status: Approved by the Office of Legal Affairs
DATE RECEIVED: ______________
MATTER ASSIGNED TO: _________
Request for Legal Assistance
DCSD Office of Legal Affairs
ATTORNEY – CLIENT COMMUNICATION
PLEASE SUBMIT COMPLETED REQUEST FORM TO
DCSD OFFICE OF LEGAL AFFAIRS.
*** This request is a confidential communication and should be treated as such ***
DESCRIPTION OF REQUEST
Title of Item/Topic:
ERATE Category 1 Offsite Student Internet Connectivity Options
________________________________________________________________
(e.g., contract review, policy matter, etc.)
5/7/25
Date of request: ___________ Due Date: ___________ (Allow 3 to 5 business days)
To support the district's efforts provide students equitable
Background information/Detail: __________________________________________________________
access to the technology tools necessary in ahybrid/remote learning environment.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PROCUREMENT DETAILS (if applicable)
Include details confirming that all applicable DCSD procurement policies and requirements have been
adhered to: ____________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
Please attach/include any additional supporting documentation that are relevant to your request.
Description of supporting documentation, if any ____________________________________________
REQUIRED AUTHORIZATION
LaKeisha Brooks
Requested by: _____________________________________________________________________
lakeisha_brooks@dekalbschoolsga.org
Email: __________________________ 678-676-1274
Telephone: ____________________________________
DIIT
Department: _______________________________________________________________________
Kermit Belcher
Cabinet Member authorizing the request: _______________________________________________
LEGAL APPROVAL
Approved as to form by the DCSD Office of Legal Affairs? ☐ Yes ☐ No
-OR- (check one only)
Approved as to form by Outside Legal Counsel? ☐ Yes ☐ No
*Referrals to Outside Legal Counsel must be coordinated and approved by the DCSD Legal Dept.
Approving Attorney (and law firm if Outside Counsel ____________________________________
Comments: __________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________