School district looking to boost Internet capacity

HERNANDO — DeSoto County Schools is looking to expand Internet capacity, partly to accommodate broader use of personal technology devices by students on the district’s 40-plus campuses.

The Commercial Appeal reports  the subject arose during a discussion at a specially called school board meeting Wednesday to seek approval for soliciting proposals on Internet services. Board members unanimously approved the request.

Lendon Balch, the district’s director of technology, said the bidding is needed to meet requirements for the federal E-Rate program, which will reimburse the district for 66 percent of the cost. Board attorney Keith Treadway said the savings could translate into about $360,000.

In addition to providing needed capacity for students, Balch said the improvements will ease congestion for employees who now sometimes find it difficult to send email.