New technology director intends year-long assessment; Chromebook lease finishes FY26

John Kwiatak, who began as Triton’s director of technology about six weeks before the Jan. 15 meeting, said he is not requesting new FY26 funds beyond an already-planned $50,000 Chromebook implementation payment that completes the district’s four-year device lease cycle.

“Since I’ve only had just over 6 weeks actually of of time in the district… I don't have any specific request to make of the budget at this time, until I really get the lay of the land and understand what is needed for the district,” Kwiatak said, describing a year-long assessment of infrastructure, classroom technology and contracts.

Nut graf: The Chromebook lease payment will be the final annual installment that brings Triton to a 1:1 device model for students in grades 1, 5 and 9; Kwiatak and district leaders said the lease approach lets the district refresh devices on a four-year cycle.

Kwiatak said he brings network and systems experience, including recent projects funded with ESSER and ECF grants in other districts. Superintendent Brian Fordgett told the committee the district and Kwiatak will evaluate whether current outsourced network administration arrangements should continue or be reduced based on his skill set.

District officials said the Chromebook fund is a recurring, planned charge in FY26 only: “The only FY26 increase that is currently in place is the planned $50k Chromebook implementation to bring us to the complete 1 to 1 model,” Kwiatak said. He added that any other technology changes will follow his assessment and a longer-term plan.

Ending: The committee did not take action; Kwiatak will return with any recommended budget changes after a year of assessment and as the FY26 process continues.