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Board hears FRP update as grant changes, cohort size and laptop problems prompt follow-up
Summary
District staff told the board the Future Ready Pathways grant has enabled 225 students since 2018 but recent laptop reliability problems and grant rule changes (multi-year budgets, tuition-model changes) prompted concerns about funding, replacement devices and program requirements.
District staff briefed the board May 20 on the Future Ready Pathways (FRP) program and related operational issues, including equipment reliability and upcoming grant changes.
Officials said about 225 students have participated in the program since 2018 and that grant rules require 50% of students in a cohort to be economically disadvantaged. Staff reported that laptops provided to students—used because seniors spend time at Hudson Valley Community College—have experienced problems including overheating, Chrome/Google Drive issues and unresponsiveness; several tickets have been submitted and some repairs have left students temporarily without devices.
"We decided to go through laptops because the students spend their senior year at Hudson Valley," staff said. IT staff explained overheating can occur when students leave a warm laptop in a backpack, or when batteries are run low; warranties include manufacturer coverage plus a three-year accidental damage protection policy. Staff proposed procuring a small pool of floater laptops or Chromebooks and implementing clearer training and sign-off materials for students when devices are issued.
Board members asked about cohort selection (a rubric and committee evaluate applications), how vacancies were filled (a wait list filled two extra slots this year), and how changes in the FRP grant program (multi-year budgeting and Hudson Valley tuition changes) will affect future cohorts and district budgets. Staff said they will provide a written summary, share the selection rubric and follow up with the board and the budget committee.
The board requested further details about the number of damaged devices by cohort, replacement lead times, and potential budget lines for floaters so students are not left without equipment for summer work or course requirements.
