Browse archives: 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997 | 1996 | 1995

Published on 07/21/1997 All articles from this issue

Foothill-De Anza District going fiber optic for communications

printer friendly version

By Clyde Noel / Town Crier Staff Writer

The Foothill-De Anza Community College Board of Trustees approved a proposal to install fiber optics throughout the college system. The project was awarded to SASCO Data Systems for $1.5 million by unanimous vote July 14.

"We must prepare an infrastructure for the 21st century in order to data link the entire system," said Leo Chavez, district chancellor. "We need to give this our highest priority."

The fiber optic project will connect all the 109 buildings at De Anza and Foothill Colleges.

Chavez said the district has the money for the project and will fund it with allocations from various sources.

Four contractors submitted bids. During the walk-through several differences were noted between the plans and the actual site conditions, requiring additional time to verify site conditions.

In other action at the July 14 meeting, the board, on a 2-1 vote, turned down a resolution of intent to reimburse certain district projects from the proceeds of a certificate of participation. A new COP will be structured so that non general fund payment obligations and terms would remain as they are.

Trustee Mary Mason said she wanted to pass the COP because deferred maintenance money was available from Sacramento and there was a favorable arbitrage rate on the note.

President Paul Fong and Mason voted yes, and Judith Moss voted no. Moss said the issue did not meet her responsibility as a trustee. "I vote for what is best for the district," she said. Trustees Jay Jackman and Dolores Sandoval were absent.