District staff recommends buying up to 10,500 Chromebooks for roughly $4.1 million to refresh student devices
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Summary
Technology staff told trustees a fleet refresh for about 10,500 student Chromebooks is needed; the recommended purchase would not exceed $4.1 million, with orders likely placed in November and distribution in March–April; students surveyed preferred the selected 14-inch touchscreen model.
District technology staff presented a proposal on Oct. 14 to refresh about 10,500 district-issued student devices in an amount not to exceed $4,100,000. The presentation said existing devices are nearing end-of-life and the instructional and technology teams evaluated multiple manufacturers and models for durability, repairability and student usability.
"Students currently have a district provided Chromebook. As we know with all technology, those things reach end of life," technology staff member Wes Prescott said. The technology team reported surveys of roughly 2,700 students, with about 92% of respondents favoring the 14-inch model the district recommended.
If approved in a future action, the staff recommendation calls for ordering devices in mid-November, vendor preparation, and distribution to the district in March or April. The technology team said the district typically orders about 10% additional units to serve as spares and to accommodate students who enroll after the initial distribution. Staff also said obsolete devices are recycled and may generate modest resale proceeds.
Board trustees asked about connectivity for students without home internet access; staff said student support services and other district programs handle hotspot and connectivity needs and that special-education accommodations (including requirements for a stylus) would be addressed by the special education department when required. Trustees also asked about total per-device cost; presenters said a full classroom-ready Chromebook (including licensing and setup) is roughly $400 per unit.
The purchase was discussed as a capital project and trustees mentioned bond funding as the expected financing source during the Q&A. No formal vote occurred Oct. 14; the item was presented as a discussion item with trustees asking staff to return with final procurement details and a financing plan before any purchase authorization.