Chandler Unified approves $1.0M purchase to expand high school semiconductor and robotics training

Chandler Unified School District approved purchases totaling about $1,003,685.41 on Oct. 8 to equip semiconductor, automation and robotics classrooms and support instructor certification across multiple high schools.

The purchases — described to the board as packages from Festo and Universal Robots plus associated instructional materials and training — are funded from a Career and Technical Education (CTED) fund. The district said the equipment will support hands-on instruction in sensors, pneumatics, programmable logic controllers, mechatronics and other skills that district staff said industry partners recommend for job readiness.

Janet Harkoff, coordinator of Emergent Technologies for Chandler Unified School District, described a recent Arizona delegation trip to Taiwan that included visits to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), a new TSMC training center and Taiwan science parks. “I didn't think anybody was really gonna care so much about K‑through‑12, but they did,” Harkoff told the board, and she described how Taiwanese educators make semiconductor concepts tactile for young students by showing wafers, dies and packaging and using block models to explain transistors.

Doctor Edgar (presenter, Chandler Unified School District) told the board the package includes specialized lab equipment and robotics kits for Hamilton High School, Arizona College Prep, Perry High School and other comprehensive high schools. He said the quote the board approved covers the hardware, curricular materials and professional development so instructors can deliver industry‑aligned instruction and certify students on vendor credentials.

Board members asked about warranties and instructor training. Doctor Edgar said the district’s CTE director reviews warranty terms and would provide specific warranty lengths on request. Harkoff explained the proposal includes vendor‑provided instructor certification (NC3 credentials from Festo for some components) and noted those certifications require periodic renewal; the professional development portion of the quote covers initial instructor certification so students can earn credentials at no additional student fee while the instructor's credential is current.

The board approved the purchase by voice vote. A motion to approve was made by a board member and seconded; the action passed by acclamation with no recorded opposition.

Harkoff also offered the board a gift from New Taipei City — a book, pins and a small city guide — and board members accepted the memento for display.

Why this matters: District leaders said expanding semiconductor and robotics CTE offerings prepares students for local industry demand and aligns with partnerships the district has built with universities, community colleges and area employers. The district tied the purchase to existing semiconductor labs already running at Hamilton High School and noted the equipment will be used to broaden hands‑on opportunities across multiple campus programs.

What’s next: District staff said they will provide warranty details and any invoice breakdowns on request and will continue to update the board on implementation and instructor credentialing schedules.