Board approves firewall and Wi‑Fi upgrade after vendor and licensing questions

The Westchester SD 92‑5 Board of Education approved a combined firewall and wireless network upgrade after staff reviewed vendor quotes and licensing terms.

Dennis summarized multiple quotes for firewall hardware and installation and recommended a solution from a vendor the district has worked with. He cited a firewall total of “$41,007.50” and said the district had obtained several vendor quotes but recommended a multi‑year agreement to secure better pricing. Board members asked which specific quote was being recommended and about differences between three‑year and five‑year pricing; Dennis explained the recommended option and the rationale for a longer support subscription.

For the wireless upgrade, Dennis said the district would own the devices but would purchase licensing and support for a multi‑year period (the packet described a three‑year license with support through June 2029). Board questions focused on contract length and the district’s ability to separate the firewall and Wi‑Fi motions, but the board approved the combined motion by roll call.

The district will proceed with the vendor selected in the motion and complete installation and licensing according to the approved terms. Staff will return with details if implementation changes or costs differ materially from the quotes.