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Stafford MSD board approves $538,950 purchase of 1,000 iPads with four-year, zero-interest financing
Summary
The Stafford Municipal School District Board of Trustees approved a purchase order for 1,000 iPads, AppleCare, keyboards and professional learning from Apple Inc. for up to $538,950, to be financed with a four-year, no-interest option and funded from the district general fund.
The Stafford Municipal School District Board of Trustees on Aug. 20 approved a purchase order with Apple Inc. for 1,000 iPads, four years of AppleCare, keyboards and professional learning in an amount not to exceed $538,950, using a four-year, zero-interest financing option.
District leaders said the purchase replaces an earlier request for 1,500 devices and reflects a negotiated price and a financing plan designed to align device life cycle with support services. The board approved the purchase by a 7-0 vote after trustees asked about tracking, app controls and funding.
Superintendent Robert Bostic told the board the administration reduced the number of devices from the prior 1,500 request to 1,000 after reviewing existing inventory and needs. The district negotiated four-year, zero-interest financing and matched AppleCare coverage for the same term to retain resale value and support during the devices’ lifecycle.
The district’s chief financial officer said the purchase will be covered from the general fund using unspent dollars—largely payroll savings from vacancies—so the district will not use a maintenance note. Technology staff explained the district will use asset tags and an asset-management/help-desk system (GTS for tagging and Instant IQ for help-desk tracking) to track each device and to support a lifecycle-management plan that could include a three-year refresh if needed.
Trustees also asked about test-device compatibility and app controls. District technology staff said state testing can run on laptops or tablets and that the district’s mobile device management will restrict app installation and enforce approved apps and settings.
Motion and vote: Trustee Hanejosa moved to approve the purchase order for 1,000 iPads, four-year AppleCare, keyboards and professional learning from Apple Inc., Choice Partners contract CCN 23/036SG-01, in an amount not to exceed $538,950 with a four-year, no-interest financing option; Trustee Sanchez seconded. The motion carried, 7-0.
District officials said implementation will include asset tagging, a help-desk intake system and a planned refresh policy to preserve instructional continuity.
