Schools board approves more than $1.6 million in facility, technology improvements | Education
Schools board approves more than $1.6 million in facility, technology improvements | Education
Publish Date: 2026-06-05 04:45:00
Source Domain: www.the-dispatch.com
From improving accessibility at Tyro Middle School to upgrading technology and critical infrastructure across the district, the Davidson County Schools Board of Education unanimously approved a series of projects totaling more $1.665 million during its recent meeting.
Chairman Nick Jarvis was absent from the meeting.
Leading the approvals was a mix of safety, accessibility and modernization efforts aimed at enhancing both student experience and long-term operational efficiency.
Among the projects was the construction of a new Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant ramp at Tyro Middle School.The project, presented by DCS Executive Director of Operations Chris Johnston, will cost $69,921.29 and will be funded through local capital funds. Johnston said the current ramp had become unsafe for use.
The board also approved the purchase of 750 Chromebooks at a cost of $274,872.30, using local device fee funds. Johnston said the new laptops will be distributed to incoming freshmen. The school district will redeploy older devices for younger students, loaner programs and parts recycling.
In another major technology upgrade, the board approved a five-year, $498,946.35 contract with Tiber Creek for Fortinet Voice-over-Internet-Protocol phone services. Funded by local technology funds, the system will replace and modernize communication across all Davidson County Schools sites.
The VoIP system includes licensing for all phone numbers and fax lines, E911 emergency compliance and new hardware at every school in the district.
Facility improvements were also a focus of the meeting. The board approved two separate HVAC projects for school kitchens, both awarded to Professional Air Systems.
At Ledford High School, a kitchen HVAC upgrade will cost $444,520, while a similar project at North Davidson Middle School will cost $377,653. Both will be funded…
