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Ambridge board approves 150-device Chromebook pilot after extended discussion
Summary
The Ambridge Area School District board approved a pilot purchase of 150 Chromebooks at a total cost of $63,772.50, authorizing carts for each building and a phased rollout; the decision followed questions about kindergarten use, teacher consultation and budget impacts.
The Ambridge Area School District Board of Directors voted to approve a districtwide pilot of 150 Chromebooks and accessories at a total cost of $63,772.50, using state-contracted pricing, during its Feb. 19 regular meeting.
Board members and staff discussed deployment, teacher input and budget impacts before the vote. The pilot will place device carts in each building for school use; devices will not be assigned to individual students and are intended for classroom use and as spares for mandated online testing. Board members were told the district expects a multi-year phased rollout to replace existing devices, with kindergarten through second grade scheduled toward the end of the cycle (board discussion referenced a roughly four-year timeline to full rollout).
The board considered whether younger students should remain on iPads. Kristen (technology staff) said the difference between a Chromebook and an iPad is the operating system and device management; touchscreen Chromebooks are an option. Technology leadership named Ferguson will lead classroom trials and collect feedback from tech integrators and teachers during the pilot.
Several board members pressed for budget detail and long-term operating costs. The technology presenter said the district has funds available this year to cover the pilot and that state-contracted pricing was confirmed; staff said the Google Admin Console would simplify future device management even while multiple operating systems are in use during the transition. The presenter also said the district needs spares to meet the state's move to online testing.
During public comment, Caitlin Deroshers, identifying herself as a technology department intern and a former student in a district that used Chromebooks K–6, said: "it was absolutely amazing" and argued a single device platform simplifies repairs, warranty claims and helpdesk work.
A motion to adopt the agenda items that included the device pilot passed. Several board members asked that staff provide updates as the pilot proceeds. One board member, Mr. Kovesetic, voiced a reservation specific to the kindergarten–second-grade application and noted a separate preference on item 12 in the packet; the board president announced the motion carried.
The board directed technology staff to conduct the pilot under district oversight, solicit teacher and tech integrator feedback, and return with updates once pilot devices arrive.
