District 59 OKs up to $2.65 million for K–8 device refresh, chooses tablet over Chromebook

Community Consolidated School District 59 on May 7 authorized a plan to provide one device and a protective case for every student in kindergarten through eighth grade and for certified staff, approving spending of up to $2,653,516.40 to complete the purchase.

District officials told the board the decision follows classroom testing and a survey of junior-high students: “students at the junior high have a by a pretty large majority, 70% have preferred the tablet,” a district staff member said during the meeting. The board approved the plan by roll call vote.

The device plan covers tablets that include a detachable keyboard and stylus, a built-in protective case and replacement-cost estimates the district discussed in public: replacement keyboards about $58, tablet screens about $105 and Chromebook screens about $160. Staff said those repair-cost differences factored into the recommendation because a damaged detachable keyboard can be replaced at lower cost than a full-device repair.

District staff described the procurement and delivery process: once the board approved the purchase, the vendor CDW would buy and hold the stock and deliver units to the district on or after July 1 so devices fit the district’s fiscal-year timing. Staff cautioned that an exact delivery ETA was not available at the meeting but said the vendor confirmed capacity to hold inventory until the district requested delivery.

Board members asked how the tablets would affect standardized testing, classroom workflow and lost accessories. The staff member said the tablet supports the district’s testing platform and that the detachable keyboard is slightly smaller than a standard keyboard but preserves home-row spacing so keyboarding skills can transfer. The staff member also said the tablet’s on-screen keyboard allows students to complete work even if they forget a keyboard or stylus, and that classrooms will keep a small pool of spare styluses and charging options for students who forget to charge devices.

Staff acknowledged some teachers prefer Chromebooks and said the administration will continue to meet with staff before rollout and provide training and contingency plans. On durability and protective measures, staff said current commercially available screen protectors presented practical difficulties for mass application; the district will track first-year experience and rely on the tablet’s built-in case and keyboard cover for transit protection.

Staff also said the district will evaluate insurance costs after deployment because repair costs for tablets should be lower than for the previous devices; a formal insurance change would be considered during rollout. The district noted it currently offers payment plans and discretionary waivers in some repair cases, and said it would provide further information if the board wanted to explore tiered insurance or fee waivers for families who cannot afford optional device insurance.

The board approved the motion to implement the device plan and protective cases up to the approved ceiling. The meeting included questions from multiple board members and extended staff answers about classroom testing functionality, device durability, repair logistics and family cost concerns.

The vote: by roll call, the motion passed with the board voting in favor.