The Eatonville School District board authorized a purchase of interactive classroom panels to replace aging televisions and add wireless presentation, backend device management and enhanced classroom interactivity.

District technology staff described a multi-year evaluation and pilot of several interactive panel brands and recommended Newline Q Pro 75-inch panels. Staff said the Newline panels carry a seven‑year warranty, Gorilla Glass protection and free lifetime back‑end management, which differs from some competitors that charge for management after a limited trial period. Staff also cited a limited-stock window and a pending tariff-driven price increase as reasons for approving the purchase now.

Why it matters: District technology leaders said new interactive panels will reduce classroom technical problems (resolving issues with residential TVs and cabling), allow teachers to present and annotate lessons more reliably and give the district a centrally managed platform with features such as one‑button districtwide messaging (including a lockdown message capability).

Staff said the district will use an existing interlocal procurement through SIPC to piggyback an available contract and obtain the equipment at a lower price. The motion approved purchase of up to 43 units; staff said final quantities may be lower after a room-by-room analysis.

Board members asked about vendor warranties, stock availability and whether neighboring districts were ordering at the same time. Technology staff said Olympia and other districts had tested panels; Eatonville’s vendor partnership produced a favorable bulk price and a long warranty term. Staff also said older televisions will be surplused or relocated to secondary spaces where appropriate.

The board moved and seconded the purchase authorization; members voted in favor.