School Board approves $450K for 65 Dell laptops and transition to Chromebooks

The Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) Board of Education convened on April 15, 2025, to discuss a significant technology upgrade aimed at enhancing educational resources for students and teachers. The board approved a motion to allocate $450,000 from bond funds for the purchase of 1,000 Dell laptops, which will be phased out in favor of more cost-effective Chromebooks.

The decision to transition to Chromebooks comes after two years of evaluation, with district officials noting that most educational applications are now cloud-based, making the more expensive Dell laptops unnecessary. The new devices will primarily serve incoming sixth and ninth graders, ensuring that students have access to modern technology as they advance in their education. Additionally, 65 laptops will be designated for teachers, supporting their specific needs for applications that require hard drive access.

Board members expressed concerns about device management and internet safety, particularly for middle school students. Discussions highlighted the importance of maintaining a secure online environment, with assurances that a robust filtering system is in place to block inappropriate content. Parents are encouraged to report any issues they observe, allowing the district to monitor and address concerns effectively.

The meeting underscored the district's commitment to providing updated technology while ensuring that students can use these resources safely and effectively. As BHUSD moves forward with this initiative, the focus remains on enhancing the educational experience for all students, aligning with broader goals of modernizing learning environments across the district.