Board approves $369,725.68 purchase to install interactive panels in classrooms and libraries

Snohomish — The board on March 26 approved a motion to purchase and install interactive panels from OEC for classrooms and libraries at a cost of $369,725.68, a technology update staff said begins an expected multi-year replacement of aging classroom displays.

During the action-item presentation, district technology staff described a pilot conducted last year and said the district plans to replace 60 older smart boards in the initial wave, update 18 library panels (including Central campus), and replace pilot teachers’ classroom displays first. The district outlined subsequent waves: a planned wave to cover approximately 270 elementary classrooms and another to cover about 220 secondary classrooms, with a total target of roughly 550 classrooms over the first three years. Staff said panel size was increased based on pilot feedback.

Budget details and procurement mechanics: staff said the district expects to use technology-levy funds and that future waves may use a mix of purchase and lease options; staff estimated the levy could cover about 30 percent of the cost of later waves and that decisions on purchase vs. lease for wave three will be budget-driven.

The board moved, seconded and approved the motion. The motion language read: “Approval to purchase and install interactive panels in the amount of $369,725.68 from OEC for classrooms and libraries.” The meeting record shows the motion carried; individual roll-call vote counts were not read into the public record.

Implementation steps noted in the presentation included immediate replacement of 22 priority classrooms where technology is failing, library panel updates, and staged installation timing contingent on panel availability and district budget decisions. Staff named Edson and Shaolin on the technology team and said Jen Harlan participated in the pilot implementation work.