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Board approves $675,000 Chromebook repair contract as staff warn of rising repair costs for aging devices
Summary
The Durham Public Schools Board approved a Chromebook repair services contract with CDW Government LLC for up to $675,000, after clarifying funding sources, contract exhibits, reporting cadence and the district’s repair volumes.
The Durham Public Schools Board of Education voted unanimously to approve a contract with CDW Government LLC for Chromebook repair services up to $675,000 for the 2025–26 service window. Board members debated timing, reporting frequency, and whether a shorter contract would be preferable while the district completes a longer‑range device plan.
Vice Chair Rogers asked for the name of the attorney who reviewed the contract and for clarification about a clerical error in an earlier upload that showed an incorrect dollar value. Staff confirmed the district’s standard services contract was used, the clerical error was corrected, and the purchase order will be split between state technology funds and local technology‑fee revenue when appropriate. "If approved, the contract that will be brought forward for the board chair to sign will have the correct amount on it," staff said during the meeting.
Board members pressed for regular reporting on repair activity and costs. Staff offered to provide monthly or quarterly reporting on the number of repairs, types of repairs and dollars expended. Staff also explained why they sought a full‑year contract: repairs occur daily and month‑to‑month payments already accumulate, so the contract provides clarity on expected aggregate expenses and locks preferred repair rates. Staff estimated the requested ceiling by analyzing recent monthly repair volumes and noting the district has many devices beyond warranty: "a large majority of them are outside of warranty," a staff member said, adding that new device purchases under warranty and additional protective cases are expected to reduce future repair volumes.
During discussion, board members requested the contract’s exhibits (scope of services/RFP) be uploaded to BoardDocs and confirmed staff would return with periodic spending updates. Several trustees urged staff to complete the district’s device plan (refresh and configurations) in the spring so future procurement and repair decisions can be set within a single, coherent strategy.
Outcome: The board approved the contract by unanimous vote and directed staff to provide corrected contract exhibits, regular repair‑cost reporting, and implementation metrics tying repair costs to the district’s larger device‑refresh planning.
