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District warns of aging device fleet; replacing 1:1 devices could cost millions
Summary
IT and district leaders told the committee the district's 1:1 device fleet includes many aging or damaged devices and that replacing a full fleet could cost an estimated $3–5 million. Staff are pursuing state, grant and donor funds and may revert to classroom stations/labs if funding does not materialize.
District technology staff and administrators briefed the committee on the condition of the district's device fleet and funding options to sustain a 1:1 program.
IT leadership told the committee there are roughly 20,000 student devices in circulation plus additional staff devices; many of the devices were purchased during the COVID response and are now five to seven years old and increasingly damaged. Replacing a reliable device was estimated in committee discussion at roughly $300–$325 per unit once software and related costs are included, which would place a full fleet replacement in the multi‑million‑dollar range. Committee members and staff said the district is pursuing multiple funding sources, including state allocations, grant opportunities and private donors; the administration said it has been in contact with the state technical assistance team and is monitoring possible funds that had been indicated by state officials.
Staff said IT has extended the usable life of existing devices through internal triage and redistribution, and the department has contingency plans that would return the district to a lab/station model (devices on carts or in classrooms) for younger grades if replacement funds cannot be secured. Board members stressed equity concerns, comparing Bridgeport's needs to wealthier nearby districts and urging the district to press for state funding; one member characterized the situation as a shortfall that disproportionately affects lower-income students.
Staff asked time to pursue grant and donor options and agreed to return to the Board with a clearer funding plan and a costed replacement scenario; the committee asked for a timeline and for any state-funding confirmations to be shared promptly.
