1. Brandon-Evansville School Board has decided to embrace a new technology cooperative, ECMECC, to replace the disbanding Central Minnesota Educational Telecommunications Service (CMETS) for its phone and Internet systems. The presentation on Internet service took place during the regular meeting, with Kasi Sieling, the district’s chief technology officer highlighting the key factors to be considered, including cost, bandwidth speed, and safety measures.
2. Sieling explained that the district currently receives reimbursement from the E-rate Coordination Program, providing a 70% electronic rate discount on eligible services such as Internet or network switches. Another 50% discount for telecommunications equity aid is also available if the district collaborates with a cooperative like ECMECC. Out of three potential suppliers, ECMECC was recommended as the best fit due to its internet services through the state and significant cybersecurity support.
3. Serving 39,000 students from 14 member school districts and Pine Technical and Community College, ECMECC will cost the Brandon-Evansville School District $18,055 annually for the next four years. The unanimous approval to move forward with ECMECC represents an essential step in ensuring reliable and cost-effective technology services for the district. The transition to the new system will take place in the spring, according to Travis Gulbrandson, who covers topics related to education and crime news.