USD 505 discusses e-rate-funded Wi‑Fi access point project; principals report student achievements and testing

District technology staff reported plans to install wireless access points under an e-rate project estimated at $22,000, with e-rate expected to cover 80% of the cost.

Josh Brennon, listed in the meeting as district technology staff, described a smooth start to the second semester and said the e-rate project would cover most of the estimated $22,000 expense to install access points.

Principals Renee Gillard (St. Paul) and Jolene Hall (Chetopa) reported student activities and academic work. Gillard said students attended a Youth Entrepreneurship event, scholar bowl placed first at a recent contest, powerlifting participation went well, 18 students were adopted via an angel tree program, the Girard tournament performed well, and KESA goals and structured literacy efforts are ongoing. Hall reported that the Christmas program went well, Fastbridge testing was scheduled for the week, interim testing is upcoming, scholar bowl is set for Jan. 15, a 3-on-3 tournament is planned, basketball performance is improving, two students are wrestling for Chetopa on Feb. 21, the school is working with a PSU literacy grant, archery equipment is arriving, and the City of Chetopa has asked whether the district wishes to make use of a new drug dog.

The board did not take public action on the e-rate project during the meeting; next steps for procurement or installation were not specified in the minutes.