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District proposes 1:1 device purchase for incoming grades and specialist refresh; estimate $322,440
Summary
Staff recommended purchasing Chromebooks for incoming fifth- and ninth-graders and iPads for specialist teachers under cooperative contracts totaling $322,440; staff noted Apple educational discounts and timing concerns related to tariffs and inventory.
District staff said that, as a 1:1 district, the regular device refresh cycle calls for replacing devices for incoming fifth- and ninth-grade cohorts and specialist teacher iPads (art, music). The recommendation in the packet is to source Chromebooks and iPads using existing contracts and education discounts: Chromebooks sourced under a REMSI contract and Apple devices sourced through Apple’s education pricing. Staff presented a total amount of $322,440 for the combined purchase.
Staff explained they maintain an “Apple shop” for specialist tools where iPads are the preferred device for art and music specialists and that Chromebooks are used as the student tablet for general instruction. The vendor and pricing approach was described as consistent with prior sourcing practices and designed to obtain educational discounts.
Board members asked about tariff exposure and whether the district is locked into price; staff said prices are favorable currently but not guaranteed and earlier ordering reduces the risk of backorders and price increases. “We’re not locked in,” the presenter said about tariffs and pricing, and added that getting orders placed sooner reduces the district’s liability to future price increases.
The recommendation will be presented to the board for approval at the upcoming meeting.
