AXIA Technology Partners saves Indiana school time and money

Clay Community School Corporation selects AXIATP for Fiber Build and Internet Services

Clay Community School Corporation (CCSC) has selected AXIA Technology Partners (AXIATP) to provide a state-of-the art Fiber Optics Network that leverages federal monies available to district schools.

CCSC provides an educational program for the students living in ten townships in Clay County and one township in Parke County. The district is comprised of:

• seven elementary schools K-5
• one middle school grades 6-8
• one junior/senior high school grades 7-12
• one senior high school grades 9-12
• one alternative school

In addition, the corporation strives to reach others not enrolled in school through the Linking Education to Adults, Adolescents and Preschools (LEAAP) program.
CCSC selected AXIATP to provide a robust fiber based wide area network spanning 21 miles for consistently faster and more reliable connectivity between the corporations' facilities.

The Search for the Best Service Provider

CCSC wanted to increase their fiber network to increase Internet speed for the schools in outlying parts of the community, all while operating within lean and disappearing school budgets.

AXIATP is a certified E-Rate vendor and employs certified specialists that are trained to assist with E-Rate funding. E-Rate funds were established as part of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 with the express purpose of providing affordable access to telecommunications services for all eligible schools and libraries, particularly those in rural and economically disadvantaged areas.

CCSC believed AXIATP http://www.axiatp.com could save the district money with their competitive pricing and quality services. CCSC underwent a formal bidding process for packages from multiple technology service providers prior to deciding on the company.

CCSC was confident that they would be receiving more for their money using AXIATP's services.

"AXIATP's reputable name and services, along with their prices made it easy during the selection process," said Mike Fowler, business manager and treasurer for CCSC. "They managed to head up the construction process seamlessly and responded immediately to any of our questions or concerns."

AXIATP's Indianapolis locale makes on-site support realistic and accessible. AXIATP maintains all operational equipment for an "A-Z" outside plant and fiber construction. In addition, AXIATP has certified engineers on staff for connecting, lighting, splicing, and configuring necessary inside equipment (routers, switches, firewalls, etc.)

AXIATP took care of the entire build process and sourced direct general contractors for all jobs to ensure appropriation of local, state and federal permitting, locates, pole attachments, easement assessments, and engineering for both inside configurations and outside plant.

"AXIATP was able to enhance our district's connectivity," said Fowler. "The level and control of communication resulted in a final solution that worked best for all parties involved. They've always kept us up-to-date and made the transition easy."

Ability to Make Teaching and Learning First Priorities

One of the most significant contributions from AXIATP is its ability to have an exemplary level of communication. Together, AXIATP and CCSC were able to develop a strong relationship that provides quality service and exudes professionalism beyond the district's expectations of a Fiber service provider. CCSC believes it found a partner in AXIATP, not just an anonymous internet service company.

"We have recommended and will continue to recommend AXIATP to others," said Fowler.