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Covington board advances device refresh, votes to pursue letter of intent to lock prices
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Summary
The Covington Board of Education voted to move a proposed 1:1 student device refresh to an approval item and pursue a letter of intent to secure inventory. Directors said the plan would shift students to Chromebooks, keep staff on Apple, and rely on building and KETS funds and buyback revenue.
The Covington Board of Education voted to advance a plan to refresh student and staff devices and to seek a letter of intent to lock current pricing.
Board members were presented with two options to continue the district’s 1:1 program: replace student devices with Chromebooks while retaining Apple devices for staff, or delay the purchase. District staff said the total cost would be a little over $1,000,000 and proposed paying with available building‑fund (approximately $744,000 this fiscal year), KETS state matching funds and proceeds from a device buyback program.
Director White, who outlined funding options, said the combination of building‑fund money, KETS match and buyback proceeds would allow the district to avoid dipping into general fund dollars for the refresh. "When you put all those funding streams together, we will make it work that we will be able to pay for all this, not hitting any general fund dollars," the district presenter said.
Board members asked for more research on screen time and whether younger elementary grades should receive devices; one member suggested limiting devices for kindergarten through second grade as a budget and pedagogy compromise. Directors also raised procurement concerns: vendor stock can change quickly, and Chromebooks show wide price variance by model, which could push the district into the general fund if prices rise.
A board member moved to advance the item to an approval and to pursue a letter of intent to secure inventory; the motion was seconded and the board proceeded to a roll call vote. During final remarks, one board member explained a yes vote: "I will vote yes on this tonight because I believe our teachers, our staff deserve a refresh... I know that we're trying to get this done to make sure that we get a good price," while also noting reservations about early‑age technology expansion.
The motion passed and the board instructed staff to bring the contract and the recommended option back for individual approval at the next meeting so members can review contract language and budget details. The board also requested that staff compile research on device impacts for younger students and clarify whether devices will routinely go home with students.
The district said staff will return with a contract packet and a formal recommendation at the next regular meeting.
