Tri-Creek board signs off on cameras, door access for natatorium and a district device refresh

The board approved two technology-related items: installation of interior and exterior cameras plus door-access controls for the new natatorium, mostly funded through a COPS protection program grant; and a multi-year device refresh that would replace student iPads in grades 5—2 with Apple MacBook Neo laptops.

Director of technology Jay told trustees the cameras and access-control project will be nearly cost-neutral to the district because of the grant and that the Lake County Sheriff nd Lowell Police Department have authorized emergency access to feeds at a real-time crime center. Trustees asked about project cost and the district said the grant and a minimal match will cover the project.

Jay also recommended replacing secondary iPads with the newer MacBook Neo "education" laptops to address persistent keyboard-case failures, curriculum and software compatibility (computer-science and CTE programs), classroom-management limits on iPads and overall device durability. He said the district had tested demo units with students and staff and that the proposal includes four years of AppleCare, a guaranteed buyback on current MacBook Airs, concierge setup service and no-cost re-casing for elementary iPads repurposed after rotation.

Administrators told the board the district was approved for a Common School Fund loan to finance the purchase; Jay estimated delaying the purchase would cost an additional $155,000 and that the recommended procurement would extend device life cycles and delay the next major purchase until the 2028'9 or 2029'0 school year for lower grades. The board approved the proposals on a voice vote.