Board approves $508,251 technology refresh to maintain 1:1 devices and add optional device insurance

The Dodgeland School District board approved a technology refresh May 20 totaling $508,251 over four years to replace aging staff and student devices and preserve the district’s 1:1 program.

District technology staff introduced the plan and said the district began its 1:1 device initiative in 2014. The proposal covers third through 12th grade student devices, staff laptops and selected lab/graphics machines, and includes an optional device insurance program: $25 for an iPad and $50 for a MacBook. The district described an estimated buyback check of roughly $76,009 to be received August 1 that offsets part of the lease and outlined a four‑year payment schedule.

Why it matters: The refresh is intended to keep devices current for classroom instruction, state testing compliance and security; staff noted older iPads and MacBook batteries are showing hardware failures and repairs are becoming more expensive. Administration told the board the refresh was anticipated and that referendum funds and prior grants had reduced earlier lease costs.

Board action: A motion to approve the technology refresh at the presented amount passed by voice vote. The board discussed insurance mechanics, how buybacks are calculated and that only devices used for third grade and above would be refreshed this cycle to comply with testing requirements.

Next steps: Administration will finalize vendor pricing, complete the buyback process and notify families about optional device insurance and enrollment deadlines. The lease includes built‑in insurance assumptions and a final small buyout payment at the end of the lease term.