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District forms device committee to weigh continuing 1:1 iPad program versus Chromebooks or cart models
Summary
Board authorized a device committee to analyze continuing the 1:1 iPad program, including grade-level differentiation, integration with curriculum and testing needs, durability, and a possible extension of replacement cycles that could yield large budget savings; a quantitative rubric is planned for Jan. 10.
Board members heard a broad update on the district's 1:1 device program and the formation of a device-committee to advise whether to continue iPads, switch to Chromebooks, or adopt cart-based models for younger grades.
The committee will include two trustees, administrators, teachers and parents and will evaluate factors that include: whether devices should be 1:1 at all grade levels or only for secondary students; integration with district instructional systems (Canvas, Google Drive, STAR 360); state testing compatibility; security and filtering; device durability and repairability; and total cost of ownership including accessories and case/trackpad needs. Committee members noted a prior 3-year replacement cycle was short; extending to a four- or five-year cycle could reduce near-term costs substantially (a staff estimate cited roughly $566,000 savings for a one-year cycle extension, to be verified).
Staff will divide the work across subgroups (education, budget, technology), convert qualitative factors into a weighted rubric, and return analysis and recommendations by the Jan. 10 work session. Trustees also discussed device-protection plans for families (a $25 program that covers some loss/ damage) and the equity and instructional implications of requiring devices at home for elementary students.
What happens next: The device committee will meet, gather cost data from peer districts, survey teacher preferences and produce a quantitative rubric and cost-analysis for the board to review before any procurement decisions.
