FASTfacts - March 11, 2025 (Vol. 20, Issue 15)

Upgraded Wi-Fi Access Points Coming Soon

Wi-Fi access points throughout MCPS will soon be upgraded thanks to a $650K project unanimously approved by School Board members. 

Funded by the District's Technology Department, 2,390 aging wireless access points will be replaced with the latest technology in 41 elementary and middle schools. High schools are already covered by a separate on-going project already in place. 

Using a competitive bid process, the project attracted 11 vendors. Members of the Technology Department reviewed, scored, and ranked those bids to one recommended bid with World Wide Technology, LLC, of Missouri. 

The total project cost is just under $2.9 million; however, MCPS should only be responsible for 20% of the cost, or $578,150.56 plus additional funds up to $650,000 to cover any unexpected costs. The remaining 80% of costs are paid directly to the vendor through the federal E-Rate Program. 

The competitive bid process covers both equipment and labor. 

Wi-Fi access on campuses is crucial for a myriad of reasons including testing, classroom assignments, attendance and record-keeping, along with online research and other e-activities in the classroom. 

Howard Middle School Slated for $1.5 Million Improvements

Construction at Howard Middle School will soon start replacing covered walkways on the campus that have outlived their expected life spans. 

A $1.5 million project approved by the School Board means frames of the existing walkways will remain because they are still structurally sound. The roofing material will be replaced throughout the campus with new standing seam metal panels, including new gutters and downspouts. 

A new bus canopy will also be installed as part of the project managed by D.E. Scorpio Corporation, one of the district's approved contractors. 

Costs of $1,547,007 are included, and work should reach substantial completion before Aug. 7. Final completion is set for Sept. 8. 

Board Greenlights Two High School Construction Projects

School Board members unanimously gave the go ahead for construction projects taking place at two high schools. 

Dunnellon High School will receive a new lift station to support the addition of a new portable bathroom facility. 

Students and staff members in portable classrooms will utilize the new facility with a $245,895 price tag. Skanska USA Building, Inc. will manage the project. Timeframe for substantial completion is May 30 with final completion one month later by June 30. 

At North Marion High School, students and staff will benefit from courtyard enhancements valued at $187,014 that feature outdoor learning spaces. 

However, the district will not incur these costs because this project is a substitute for another construction project that ended up with the contractor fined for missing deadlines. 

The courtyard improvements will be completed at the contractor's own expense before the start of the 2025-2026 school year. 

This project is considered a settlement offer in lieu of monetary late fees for a recent door and window replacement project on the campus. 

School Board members and Superintendent Dr. Gullett recognize (third from left) Forest High School's Cody Lu and Vanguard High School's Sanjay Karthik, Angelina Kovalchuk, and Rachel Milbrandt, all recently named National Merit Finalists for the Class of 2025.