Racine Unified plans staff-device refresh, more classroom Chromebooks and an in-house esports arena

District technology and operations staff presented a multipart update on device procurement and extracurricular technology.

Staff said the district intends a four-year refresh of staff laptops and desktops but has not attached bid documents because market pricing and supply-chain instability are actively changing. The expected device deliveries could occur in August with deployment in September–November, but timing depends on pricing and availability. Administration broadened vendor outreach beyond its historical vendor to seek better pricing.

On student devices, staff explained they are moving away from districtwide take-home 1:1 for some grades and instead plan to increase classroom Chromebook carts and checkout sets. Staff cited high rates of loss and damage to devices purchased during the COVID-era rollout and said many devices are out of warranty. To reduce disruption, staff proposed a protection plan covering accidents and outsourced repair work; staff said historical destruction rates were high (about 65% over eight years) but noted that figures specific to a three-year protection-plan window were not provided. Staff also said families may still be charged when damage is not covered under the protection plan and that the district does not have a recovery-rate number available at the meeting.

On extracurricular technology, staff described plans to bring esports practices in-house to a new arena in Building 2 (Wind Point Room) after finding downtown vendor space expensive and limited. The district said teams from multiple high schools will use the new facility starting this fall; coaches and students helped design the layout.

What’s next: Staff will return with procurement details and formal business-meeting items as pricing and vendor bids are finalized.