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Pender County Board of Education unanimously approves Chromebook purchase for students
Summary
The Pender County Board of Education voted unanimously at a special-called meeting to approve a Chromebook purchase after staff said older devices will no longer be eligible for state testing and Chromebooks support classroom instruction and remote learning.
The Pender County Board of Education voted unanimously to approve a purchase of student Chromebooks during a special-called meeting on Oct. 12, 2025. The board approved the measure by roll-call vote after staff said older devices are reaching end-of-life and will not be allowed for state testing.
Board members said the purchase is necessary to keep devices eligible for statewide assessments and to support classroom and remote instruction. "Currently, many of our Chromebooks are expiring in the service area. And once they reach a date of being out of service, they are no longer allowed to be utilized for state testing," said Michael Taylor, staff member. Dr. Brad Breedlove, staff member, added that Chromebooks are "a vital part of our instructional programming," used for Google Classroom, Canvas and other classroom tools.
The board heard that the district is moving its Chromebook refresh cycle from five years to seven years as devices and software improve. Board members pressed staff to explain the requirement. "So in short, so the public understands, we're basically held hostage to replace these things by what amounts to a state mandate," said Mr. Hall, board member. "If we don't do this, kids do not get promoted to the next level because there's no way to test them," Mr. Don Hollis, board member, said in support; Dr. Breedlove concurred.
Staff said Chromebooks also factor into the district's digital learning and remote learning plans for weather closures and other disruptions. Dr. Breedlove told the board the district has worked to limit excessive screen time; he said elementary students typically see much less daily screen time than middle- and high-school students and that the amount of device time depends on the course. He noted the district has used professional development to help teachers balance screen-based and hands-on instruction.
The motion to approve the Chromebook purchase was made by Mr. Reeves, board member, and seconded by Jennifer Hansen, board member. The board approved the purchase by an aye vote from each member present: Don Hollis, Jason Spivey, Jennifer Hansen, Mr. Hall and Mr. Reeves. Earlier in the special-called meeting the board also approved the meeting agenda by unanimous roll-call vote. After the Chromebook vote the board moved to adjourn.
The meeting record did not specify the vendor, exact cost, or contract length for the Chromebook purchase; those details were not provided during the discussion.
