Board approves iPad and CTE laptop purchases; district staff say devices will come from existing tech budgets

The Coffee County Board of Education voted Sept. 8 to approve a set of technology purchases, including an iPad order and a group of higher‑end laptops intended for CTE instruction. Director of technology and presenters described the purchases as replacements for aging equipment and noted both purchases use state or cooperative contracts. The iPad purchase in the agenda was presented as $97,200 and the board approved that purchase; board members confirmed the devices will be covered by the technology budget and will include protective cases. Separately, the board approved a $34,544 purchase of higher‑end Dell laptops for CTE coursework where students run design and drafting software. Staff said the purchase comes from the CTE budget and that the district is following procurement rules because the cost exceeds $25,000. Board members asked whether the devices would be protected with cases and confirmed replacement schedules will continue to be monitored. Both motions were approved by roll call.