Committee reviews lease for 150 teacher Surface Pros and $91,742 auditorium AV upgrade

Radnor Township School District administrators presented a package of capital items including a proposed four‑year lease for 150 Surface Pro teacher devices and a first‑phase audiovisual upgrade for the high‑school auditorium.

Mister Polling summarized the technology purchase: the lease is for 150 Surface Pro teacher devices as part of the district's teacher refresh schedule; administrators estimated a per‑device cost of roughly $2,100 that includes the device, keyboard, pen, software licensing and financing. "We did receive discounted pricing through CDW, as an educational entity," the administration said.

Several board members questioned the per‑unit cost and whether all teachers use the devices. One member thanked administration and the technology director for explaining the choice of a higher‑class Intel processor and business‑class warranties, saying the higher‑performance processor and Windows 11 Pro installation support necessary drivers and remote‑wipe security features.

On the auditorium upgrades, administration presented an updated Visual Sound quote for $91,742.47 covering projection and audio equipment. The administration described phase 1 as including a long‑throw projector (57–87 feet), a 335‑inch screen, HDMI and audio switchers, six high‑powered speakers, touch panel interfaces, networking switches, power sequencers and peripheral items. A board member noted the auditorium had not received a major upgrade in about 25 years and said the equipment supports frequent school and community programming.

Administration and the facilities representative emphasized staging the work in phases, with carpeting and lighting to be addressed separately at facilities meetings. The committee did not take a final vote on either purchase at the finance meeting; administration indicated items would be brought forward as formal action items for board consideration.