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State settles with ENA, CenturyLink |
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March 10, 2017 |
Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter and legislative
leaders agreed Thursday to settle all financial
claims by Education Networks of America (ENA)
and CenturyLink for their development of the
Idaho Education Network broadband system for
Idaho’s public schools.
The negotiated settlements require payment
totaling $3,461,213. That includes $1,516,533 to
ENA and $972,840 each to ENA and CenturyLink for
money owed to them by Idaho school districts.
In return, ENA and CenturyLink agreed to drop
all claims against the State and all its
agencies, entities and employees, including the
Department of Administration and Idaho’s public
school districts. Those claims totaled about $13
million, including at least $11 million against
the State and at least $1.9 million against the
school districts.
“This is welcome progress toward clearing the
way for us to continue providing the best
possible educational experience to every public
school in Idaho,” Governor Otter said. “I’m
hopeful that this will help clear the way toward
continuing expanded utilization of technology
for improving student outcomes and the range of
learning opportunities provided by our schools.”
“The capabilities developed through the IEN
remain a valuable tool for improving education
throughout Idaho. This isn’t about the quality
or importance of the product; it’s about the
importance of our procurement process and our
responsibility to ensure that it meets not only
the letter of the law but the perception of
propriety,” Idaho Senate President Pro Tem Brent
Hill said.
“It was very important for the State of Idaho to
get this issue taken care of so we can stay
focused on our efforts to build and maintain the
kind of school system that our students,
parents, communities and employers need,” Idaho
House Speaker Scott Bedke said. “We feel like
this settlement is in the best interest of the
State’s reputation, our school districts and
everyone who benefits from the Idaho Education
Network.” |
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