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Teachers question $6 million laptop purchase and urge Chromebook inventory, plus more safety pilots
Summary
Teachers asked the board to verify current Chromebook inventory before approving a $6 million laptop purchase and suggested reallocating funds to pay increases, chargers, or security measures; one teacher supported adding two more weapons-detection system pilots.
At the public hearing on the superintendent’s recommended FY2026 budget, a high-school math teacher asked the board to confirm device inventory counts before approving $6 million for new laptops and urged prioritizing pay and school safety measures.
Christy Giuliano, a math teacher at Broadneck High School, said she supports the budget overall but questioned a $6 million line for laptops. "If there are enough that all high school students are being issued their own 1 this upcoming semester, I'm not sure there's a need to spend $6,000,000 on laptops for high school students next year," she said, and asked whether that expense could be deferred.
Why it matters: Giuliano cited heavy recent device purchases and the risk of redundant spending. She told the board that only "40% of students returned their Chromebooks in working condition last year," and that semester scheduling changes will increase charger loss and device wear, leading her to ask the district to consider funding chargers or reallocating funds toward pay increases for long-tenured teachers.
Giuliano also suggested funding security measures such as cell-phone pouches to limit misuse and supported piloting weapons-detection systems at additional high schools: "I appreciate the 2 weapons detection systems in the budget. Let's add 2 more for 2 more high schools to pilot it."
The board did not vote on procurement priorities during the hearing. Speakers asked the board to use public testimony to refine budget priorities in upcoming workshops.
