Board approves early Chromebook refresh for middle school amid price and supply concerns
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Summary
Trustees approved Phase 2 of a multiyear Chromebook refresh for Pacific Grove Middle School, citing supply-chain pressures and anticipated price increases. The measure passed with one dissent; trustees also discussed teacher training and how devices fit into broader EdTech goals.
The Pacific Grove Unified School District board approved a middle‑school Chromebook refresh Feb. 5, advancing phase 2 of a multiyear technology replacement plan funded by Measure A technology bond reserves.
Director of EdTech Matthew Binder told trustees that the district sought to accelerate procurement because vendors warned of price hikes and inventory shortages following large memory purchases by major AI buyers. Binder said the proposal replaces aging Dell 3100 Chromebooks (about seven years old) with the same HP model used in a recent high‑school refresh and preserves a 1:1 device ratio in core classrooms. "We've already heard of price increases of 20% on consumer electronics...That would have amounted to almost $50,000 more for the same number of Chromebooks," Binder said.
Board discussion focused on educational strategy and training: Trustee Wax questioned whether Chromebooks are the best long‑term pedagogical choice and urged more teacher professional development and project-based learning. Binder said the upcoming EdTech plan revision will address teacher training, intentional device use, and AI considerations.
Vote: Motion to approve the student computing device refresh plan was made by Trustee Dr. Hazen and seconded by Trustee Atmar; the motion passed with one dissenting vote from Trustee Wax.
Next steps: Staff will finalize procurement and schedule deployments for spring installation pending delivery schedules and will coordinate professional development tied to the district's updated EdTech plan.