District proposes Chromebook rollout, desktop refresh and new projectors for middle and high schools

District staff presented three technology purchase proposals for the coming school year: a Chromebook purchase for middle-school 1:1 deployment, an annual rotation of desktops and laptops and a proposal to use Digital Syncing Fund dollars to upgrade projectors and order new pull-down screens at the middle and high schools.

James Doyen, introduced in the meeting as the district director of technology, was cited by administrators as the staff lead in planning the purchases. The Chromebook proposal would supply devices for incoming sixth graders so the cohort would use similar devices; licensing costs were included in the memorandum. The desktop and laptop memo covered the routine replacement cycle supported by the technology department’s annual budget.

The projector memo proposed upgrading projectors and adding pull-down screens sized appropriately for new projector output. Staff noted the number of screens differs from projectors because some rooms cannot accommodate the larger screens. The administration said the majority of this initial instructional-technology plan is penciled to come from the Digital Syncing Fund but that staff will pursue other revenue sources where available.

Board members asked clarifying questions; administration said these items will return for formal approval at the May 5 meeting.