In a recent meeting of the Waterford Board of Education, held on April 17, 2025, the focus was on a significant technology update that aims to enhance the district's educational resources. As the evening unfolded, board members discussed the need to replace aging devices and improve the technology infrastructure across schools.

The district currently operates approximately 1,500 machines, but only 915 are slated for replacement. This decision comes as part of a bond project aimed at modernizing technology for teaching and assessment purposes. Among the proposed upgrades are 20 new pro desktops specifically designed for digital art, which will be installed at Pierce School, a site identified as having unique needs due to its large lab space.

In addition to replacing lab machines, the board is also looking to refresh 350 Chromebooks and replace 15 outdated servers that support critical assessment systems. The urgency of these updates is underscored by the fact that the current servers can no longer be updated, raising concerns about their reliability for future assessments. The district aims to complete these upgrades over the summer to ensure readiness for the next school year.

The discussion also highlighted the importance of acting quickly to secure current pricing, as technology companies are enforcing stricter 30-day quotes. Board members expressed concern that delaying the decision could lead to price increases of up to 15% or more.

Following the technology update, the board moved on to discuss the upcoming budget. Assistant Superintendent Hildebrandt announced plans to post a notice for a public hearing regarding the budget, which will be presented for consideration on June 19. Additionally, the board received proposed budget documents from Oakland Schools for the fiscal year 2025-2026, which must be reviewed and approved by May 1.

However, some board members voiced skepticism about approving budgets from Oakland Schools without a clear understanding of their contents and implications for Waterford. Conversations about the district's needs, particularly in special education, have been ongoing, but concerns remain about the support provided by the county.

As the meeting concluded, it was clear that the Waterford Board of Education is navigating a complex landscape of technology upgrades and budgetary considerations, all while striving to enhance educational outcomes for its students. The decisions made in the coming weeks will be crucial in shaping the district's technological capabilities and financial planning for the future.