Board approves multiple technology contracts and equipment purchases, including five-year Cisco support and iPad equipment

The Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 board approved several technology contracts and equipment purchases at the meeting, including a five-year Cisco support contract, a three-year network backup agreement, desktop computer purchases, and purchases of iPad accessories and cases. Most motions passed unanimously; the iPad-related purchase passed 5-1.

The board approved a Cisco support contract awarded to Lomitales Inc. of Kansas City for $43,196 per year, with a five-year total of $215,978. Trustees also approved an annual network backup agreement with CDW-G of Chicago at $30,760 per year (three-year total $86,280). The board approved desktop equipment purchases — Mac Minis from Apple ($27,160) and Microsoft Windows systems from Bloom USA ($20,125) — for a combined $47,285.

On a separate technology item, the board approved purchases of iPad cases, chargers and adapters from Apple for $161,978 and related cards and cases from CDW-G for $83,430, for a combined total of $245,408. That motion passed on a recorded voice result of 5-1; the transcript does not enumerate which board member voted no.

Motions on technology were made by board members as follows: Carla moved approval of the Cisco support contract; Kurt seconded. The backup-systems purchase motion was made by Carla and seconded by Greg. The desktop equipment purchase was moved by Greg and seconded by Harlan. The iPad accessories motion was made by Greg and seconded by Harlan; the board recorded the vote as 5-1 in favor.

Board discussion around technology purchases included remarks emphasizing the district's need to protect data and sustain online services, and several trustees thanked central staff for planning and procurement work. Trustees also discussed the district's 1-to-1 device program briefly; one trustee said they question whether a 1-to-1 iPad model is the right long-term approach but acknowledged the current procurement effort and protective measures taken by staff.

All technology items were listed under new business and were voted during the same meeting session. The board recorded unanimous voice approvals for the Cisco, backup, and desktop purchases, and a 5-1 vote for the iPad accessories and related items.

Less-critical details: the Cisco support contract was presented as a five-year agreement option; the backup contract a three-year service agreement; desktop purchases were a mix of Apple and Windows platforms.