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Vancouver School District previews Hudson's Bay track replacement and proposed laptop/Chromebook purchases
Summary
Board presenters previewed a planned $603,230.46 track replacement at Hudson's Bay High School and proposed device purchases (1,700 teacher laptops; 5,000 student Chromebooks) to be considered for formal approval at a later meeting.
During a Vancouver School District board meeting (date not specified), staff previewed three contracts the district plans to bring for approval at its May board meeting: a full track replacement at Hudson's Bay High School and two large technology purchases for teachers and students.
Brett Blechschmidt, a district staff member presenting the contracts preview, said the recommended purchase agreement with Baynon Sports would fund a full replacement of the Hudson's Bay track at a total cost of $603,230.46 plus Washington state sales tax. The district plans to fund the work from its capital projects fund and said Clark College — which regularly uses the track — will contribute an amount “still to be negotiated.”
Blechschmidt also previewed proposed technology purchases. The district is considering purchase agreement 2020Five-six for 1,700 laptops for teachers at a not-to-exceed total of $1,750,000 plus Washington sales tax, and purchase agreement 2020Five-seven for 5,000 Chromebooks for students at a not-to-exceed total of $3,000,000. Staff said the Chromebook purchase could involve a lease. Blechschmidt told the board the district is waiting for firm pricing because of volatility in international markets and will move forward only if prices align with the district’s allocated budget; the district can hold funds in its dedicated tech levy fund until market conditions are favorable.
On procurement timing and price guarantees, Blechschmidt said typical vendor quotes include a minimum 30-day price lock, and the district plans to wait until closer to the May meeting to secure more stable pricing before finalizing any contracts.
No formal votes or contract approvals were taken at the meeting; staff characterized the items as previews and recommended formal motions at a future meeting once negotiations and pricing are finalized.
