Jackson OKs towers to link district schools

JACKSON, Mo. -- The Jackson school board Tuesday approved a contract with JCS Tel-link for five microwave radio towers to connect the district's Internet between its 10 buildings.

The towers that cost $52,073, come with a three-year warranty covering everything but lightning, vandalism and neglect.

By the end of the school year, a 100-foot tower will be placed at South Elementary and 60-foot towers will be placed at North Elementary, Millersville Attendance Center, Gordonville Attendance Center and the Board of Education office.

Rob Goyette, technical director for the district, said the towers will enhance the Internet connections at the outlying schools and improve the performance speed at all of the schools.

The Jackson junior high school, Orchard Elementary and West Lane Elementary schools are already connected to the high school, which is the district's Internet hub.

When the towers are installed, the Millersville, Gordonville and North elementary schools will connect to the high school by way of the tower at South Elementary, and the board office will connect to the high school directly.

Goyette said the district will save $12,000 a year by having the towers connect the buildings.

hkronmueller@semissourian.com

335-6611 extension 128