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Board hears plan to move to 1:1 device ownership; T‑Mobile option for 2,200 devices discussed
Summary
District technology staff described a move toward assigned student devices (1:1 ownership), potential switch to Windows devices for freshmen, insurance and accountability measures, cybersecurity work (ClassLink, Intune, annual assessments) and a proposed T‑Mobile arrangement to provide up to 2,200 devices; trustees pressed for clear tracking, consequences and parent communication.
District technology leaders described a proposal to shift toward student‑assigned devices that students would take home and be responsible for, and staff outlined security and accountability steps the district would pair with that approach.
"We're looking at Microsoft devices or some sort of Windows device," Director Hernandez said, explaining the district seeks devices beyond Chromebooks for incoming high‑school freshmen and that the change requires increased accountability and insurance. Hernandez cited an estimated multi‑million‑dollar replacement cost if the district were to replace all devices—figures staff described as preliminary and subject to procurement decisions.
Hernandez and other staff described plans to expand device insurance (the district cited an insurance option priced at $26), create a student‑device compact outlining consequences for damage, and make devices more personalized (cases or stickers) to encourage care. Trustees asked how the district would trace responsibility when classroom carts are used; staff said devices would be assigned in Aeries, serial numbers could narrow down users, and the district planned classroom backup devices for students who forget devices.
Trustees also pressed on cybersecurity and network access. "We cannot push for everyone to use their phone to sign in," Hernandez said; staff said they are activating ClassLink for single sign‑on, performing annual Google and Intune assessments, and planning an external threat assessment and penetration test midyear.
Staff said the district is pursuing a T‑Mobile arrangement that would provide up to 2,200 devices to qualified students and asked the board to ratify or approve that procurement as part of routine consent/contracting processes; trustees discussed insurance, opt‑out possibilities for families who prefer BYOD, and future steps to integrate device expectations into PBIS and parent outreach.
The board did not take an immediate separate vote on the device policy during this item; trustees asked staff to return with more detail in the tech plan update requested later in the meeting.
