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Board approves five‑year lease for student devices; public raises contract and cost concerns
Summary
The Ketchikan board approved a five‑year lease with American Capital for Chromebooks and laptops—$55,000 maximum in FY26 and up to $275,000 over five years—while residents questioned insurance, return costs and contract details during the April 23 meeting.
The Ketchikan Gateway Borough School Board unanimously approved a five‑year lease agreement with American Capital for technology equipment at its April 23 meeting, authorizing district staff to enter a contract expected to cost no more than $55,000 in fiscal 2025–26 and up to $275,000 over five years.
Business manager Daniel Schueller told the board the lease mirrors previous arrangements the district has used to refresh student devices and that the vendor had provided competitive quotes. The package includes roughly 445 devices—Chromebooks for students and higher‑powered laptops for teachers and staff—at an average equipment cost district staff discussed during the meeting of about $528 per device.
Public commenters told the board the contract lacked sufficient detail and clarity. One resident who reviewed the contract said she found multiple typographical errors and asked whether the district had fully disclosed return shipping, insurance, repair and end‑of‑lease disposition costs. “What’s the intention with the computers after the five‑year rental contract is over? Are you going to renew the contract? Are you going to purchase them? Are you going to return them?” the resident asked.
Schueller said the district had not yet determined the final disposition of equipment at lease end and that resale or refurbishment value for five‑year‑old devices is generally low; he said the finance approach spreads cost across years to make replacement feasible without a single large capital outlay. He also said parents can obtain low‑cost insurance products to cover accidental damage, and that the district has not historically borne the full cost of damage when devices are broken or lost.
Board members asked for follow‑up information about insurance options for families, worst‑case district liabilities, and whether the contract included an option to purchase at term. The board clerk recorded a unanimous vote in favor of the lease. Details in the motion noted the annual not‑to‑exceed payment figure and the five‑year total included in the packet.
Board members said they will publish clarifying answers to questions raised during citizen remarks and will ask staff to prepare a short FAQ about device insurance, responsibilities for damages and the plan for devices at end of lease.
