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District tech budget maps 1-to-1 devices, E-rate-funded hotspots and expanded data tools
Summary
Technology staff presented a 2025'26 budget that funds one-to-one devices for students in grades 5'12, E-rate-subsidized home hotspot expansion, BOCES services for business and student systems and a move to a new district data-visualization platform.
The district's technology director presented a 2025'26 technology budget that includes continued support for the 1-to-1 Chromebook program (devices taken home in grades 5'12), an expansion of E-rate-subsidized cellular hotspots for families without reliable home internet and investments in data and analytics tools through BOCES services.
Mike (presenting) said the budget funds central business and administrative systems, student information systems and a one-time implementation of a new data visualization tool (Forecast5) through Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES. He described an increase in the budget for staff development to support Infinite Campus scheduling and for an anticipated, short-term contract to help onboard a civil-service role that remains unfilled.
On digital equity, the district plans to add another 100 district-controlled cellular hotspots and expects a high E-rate reimbursement rate (the presenter noted the district's E-rate reimbursement percentage is about 85 percent), reducing net cost to the district. The district said federal E-rate funding reimburses a majority of recurring connectivity and that the 1, 1 device estate is funded through an installment purchase agreement (IPA) amortized over four years to smooth replacement cycles and capture state aid.
The technology presentation also addressed device management and Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) policy: staff said BYOD is permitted at the high school but is not a substitute for the district's 1-to-1 program because of device-management, security and test-administration requirements. The administration said Chromebook loaners and classroom charging/storage solutions are maintained for younger grades.
Staff also described steps to support staff professional learning on AI tools and the district's participation in regional professional-development consortia to provide low-cost or no-cost training resources to teachers and administrators.
