Board approves more than $1 million in semiconductor and robotics equipment for CTE labs

The Chandler Unified Governing Board approved purchases for automation, robotics and semiconductor training equipment on Oct. 8, authorizing district staff to buy hardware and instructor certification to expand hands‑on CTE learning.

What the board approved

The district recommended vendor quotes from Advanced Technologies (Festo equipment and ancillary items) for semiconductor and mechatronics labs and collaborative robots at multiple high schools. The package includes mechatronics and automation stations, programmable logic controllers, pneumatics, AI‑ready camera integration for lab exercises, and instructor training/NC3 certification avenues so students can earn industry‑recognized credentials.

Funding and scope

District staff said the purchase (~$1,003,685.41) will be paid from JTED/CTE funds (the district’s career‑technical fund described elsewhere in the AFR). Administrators described the equipment as industry‑recommended core lab tools for semiconductor, automation and robotics pathways across Hamilton, Perry, Arizona College Prep and Chandler’s other comprehensive sites.

Board action

Board member Heap moved to approve the purchase; the motion was seconded by Modson. After discussion about included professional development and the multi‑line quotes, the board approved the purchase by voice vote.

Why it matters

District presenters said the equipment supports manufacturing, automation and semiconductor pathways that local employers and colleges value. The purchase includes instructor training so staff can certify students for industry credentials; district staff said some costs include installation, shipping and teacher PD/certification bundled into vendor quotes.

Speakers quoted or referenced in this article come from the meeting transcript and are limited to speakers on the record.