VIDOR ISD trustees approve Chromebook purchase, campus electrical upgrade and multiple routine items

VIDOR — The VIDOR ISD Board of Trustees on April 14 approved a series of purchases, contracts and administrative actions, including a purchase of 516 Chromebooks to refresh the district’s testing and classroom devices and a low bid for an electrical upgrade at the high school tied to a grant.

District Superintendent Dr. Kilgo told trustees the Chromebook purchase is intended to “refresh the fleet” after several years without a major device buy and that the district will pay for the 516 units from fund balance. He said the district aims to return to a roughly five‑to‑six year device rotation to avoid testing and classroom failures caused by aging machines.

The board approved the CDW‑G quote for 516 Chromebooks and the related Google management license, with the purchase funded from fund balance. Trustee Mr. Kemp moved the motion and Trustee Ms. Gilthorpe seconded; the vote was 5–0 with two members absent.

Why it matters

Trustees said testing requirements and classroom needs are driving the purchase. Technology staff and trustees discussed a multi‑year refresh plan and a target of renewing roughly 100 devices per year after the larger purchase to restore a stable replacement cycle.

What else the board approved and discussed

- Electrical upgrade for high‑school welding program: District staff presented three bids for electrical work at Vidor High School required to support equipment purchased through a separate grant. Jefferson Electric submitted the low bid at $222,364; staff noted the bid includes a roughly $50,000 contingency and said the work must be…