In a pivotal meeting held on April 29, 2025, the Liberty Board of Education discussed the upcoming refresh of the school district's network infrastructure, a project poised to enhance connectivity across its facilities. The initiative, part of the E-Rate program, aims to provide affordable internet access to schools and libraries, funded through fees applied to phone services nationwide.

The board outlined a two-phase plan for upgrading network switches, with the first phase scheduled for the summer of 2025 and the second for 2026. This refresh will include the installation of 47 Cisco Meraki network switches and 27 Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) across several schools, including Budd Quinnett, Lyman Hall, Joseph Barton, and Snelson Golden.

The total cost for this phase is projected at $239,478, with the majority of funding coming from E-Rate Category 2 funds, which will cover approximately 85% of eligible costs. The board received bids from four companies, with Entree Solutions emerging as the top contender based on their strong performance and previous successful projects within the district. Their bid of $222,728.50 was noted for its overall value and technical sufficiency.

As the board prepares to finalize the selection of Entree Solutions, the implications of this upgrade extend beyond mere hardware. It represents a commitment to improving educational resources and ensuring that students have access to reliable technology, a crucial factor in today’s learning environment. The board's decision will be formally recommended at the upcoming DECCS board meeting, marking a significant step toward modernizing the district's technological capabilities.