District technology staff told the board on Nov. 19 that Lake County Schools received an E‑rate cybersecurity pilot grant and a complementary state cybersecurity grant and presented a plan to contract with Central Technologies to implement Fortinet-based monitoring and network upgrades.

The presenter said E‑rate will cover most costs and the district’s required contribution is about 15% of eligible charges; the grant and contract can be phased over up to three years, and the contract can be voided if the E‑rate program cancels funding. "E rate is, actually pays directly to the provider…we only pay the portion that we're required due to the prior," the presenter explained while describing the FCC-funded program.

The proposed work includes continuous packet inspection and monitoring, additional security services that SENSIT Technologies (the district’s current network vendor) will include at no extra charge, and replacement of aging switches to boost connectivity. Staff said securing rates required early engagement with Central Technologies and that formal board approval of the contract is pending E‑rate approval.

Board members asked clarifying questions about timing and whether the project would require district budget funds; staff said implementation timing can be adjusted and that the district can either fund the district share out of next year’s budget or phase work across the remaining grant period. No final contract vote was recorded in this meeting; staff sought board approval to proceed with contracting steps contingent on E‑rate approval and board direction on when to start work.

Next steps: staff asked the board to approve pursuing the contract and to clarify whether to begin the project this school year or phase it beginning next year; final contracting is contingent on E‑rate approval and future board action.