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Laredo ISD showcases STEAM family nights; seeks $2M cooperative contract for devices and network gear
Summary
Instructional technology staff reported fall STEAM/family technology events (one at Sierra High with more than 400 families) and ongoing STEAM activities at elementary/middle schools. The district proposed cooperative contracts across 19 vendors for computers, peripherals and technical services estimated at $2,000,000 for one year across funding
Instructional technology and library media staff reported Nov. 4 that fall STEAM and family technology nights have engaged hundreds of families and that a cooperative procurement is recommended for hardware, peripherals and technical services.
Instructional technology staff said a recent STEAM night at Sierra High drew "over 400 families" and highlighted hands-on activities including 3D simulations ("see space dem" demonstration). Staff urged broader family engagement with district technology resources and publicized an upcoming STEAM event at Martin High School. (00:31:40)
Procurement recommendation Technology staff proposed multiple cooperative contracts for computers, equipment, peripherals and technical services across 19 vendors with an estimated not-to-exceed amount of $2,000,000 for a one-year term across multiple funding sources. The procurement scope listed network equipment, projectors, Chromebooks and related services used districtwide. Staff described the contracts as cooperative (multi-vendor) agreements intended to represent "best value" and to support replacement and expansion efforts. (00:33:10)
Why it matters: Large technology procurements affect classroom device availability, testing device inventories and network capacity ahead of major testing windows. The STEAM family nights are part of the district—level strategy to raise technology usage and awareness among families.
What staff said (selected): - "We had over 400 families in attendance" at a Sierra High STEAM family night, the instructional tech presenter said. (00:31:40) - "This is a term of 1 year across multiple funding sources," technology staff said of the cooperative contract request. (00:33:10)
Follow-up: The procurement will proceed according to cooperative contract rules and funding availability; staff offered event schedules and vendor lists on request.
