Board authorizes Technology Department to bid for E-rate cybersecurity pilot

The board voted unanimously on Sept. 2 to allow the Morgan County Schools Technology Department to bid for an E-rate Cybersecurity Pilot Program. The motion, moved by Billy Ward and seconded by Ben Jackson, passed 6-0. Why it matters: E-rate-funded cybersecurity work is intended to strengthen district network security and protect student and staff data; authorizing a bid starts the procurement process. Details: the minutes record only the board’s authorization to bid; the motion did not specify budget amounts or a vendor. The E-rate program is a federal telecommunications subsidy program; the board’s action permits the Technology Department to proceed with competitive procurement under whatever E-rate rules and local purchasing policies apply. What’s next: Technology staff were authorized to prepare and advertise the bid; award of any contract would follow procurement rules and likely require board approval depending on dollar amounts and district policy.