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Technology director outlines Chromebook repair plan and aims to increase loaner devices by 25%
Summary
The district technology director described staffing, responsibilities and a strategy to increase available Chromebooks by 25% before May, citing heavy repair demand and a multi‑cohort refresh program.
The district’s Director of Technology briefed the board on department staffing, responsibilities and an initiative to increase the pool of loaner Chromebooks for students.
The director described a team that combines a department secretary, a network security analyst, two network specialists, four computer technicians and a part‑time instructional technology specialist (a BOCES employee). The department manages the one‑to‑one Chromebook program, classroom technology, network security, heating and bell systems tied to the infrastructure, visitor greeter systems and Internet filtration required under state law.
The director told the board the district operates a three‑cohort refresh program (new devices at grades 1, 5 and 9) and refurbishes returned devices for loaner inventory. He said the middle and high schools generate the largest number of damaged devices and that staff time is devoted to triaging and repairing Chromebooks.
To reduce student downtime, the technology director set a goal to increase the number of Chromebooks available to students by 25% before May and described reallocation of staff time and product choices to reduce breakage. He said loaner inventories vary by building but estimated mid‑year loaner pools of roughly 50 devices at elementary buildings and up to 100 at the middle and high school levels.
On device lifespan, the director said a Chromebook handled properly can last about four to five years but in practice many return damaged. He also described coordination with the curriculum office on software purchasing, privacy agreements and teacher support for instructional technology including ethical training for classroom AI use.
Board members asked about spare device counts and the director said building loaner levels change during the school year but the district targets a larger pool and is training staff to manage audiovisual equipment, scoreboards and live streaming needs.
