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Board approves iPad and Chromebook leases as district moves to refresh cycle
Summary
District 58 approved leases for 510 iPads (4‑year total $230,542) and 550 HP Fortis Chromebooks (3‑year total $166,902.54) to support a planned refresh and the 6–8 transition; administrators said fee and device-ownership models mirror high-school practice and include maintenance coverage.
The Downers Grove GSD 58 board approved two technology leases April 13 as part of a multi‑year refresh strategy.
Board authorized a four‑year lease with Apple Financial Services for 510 iPads, STM cases and four years of AppleCare Plus at a total cost of $230,542, which the administration said will provide devices to second graders that will follow them through fifth grade. "This approach will add stability and predictability to our financial planning," the superintendent (speaker 18) stated.
The board also approved a lease of 550 HP Fortis Chromebooks with a three‑year accidental damage protection plan at a total cost of $166,902.54 through First American, subject to final legal review. Under the proposed middle-school model, sixth-, seventh- and eighth‑grade registration will include a $100 device fee and students will keep the Chromebook during and after their middle-school years, administrators said.
Staff explained the maintenance and repair model includes third‑party service agreements because parts and labor costs have risen and the technology department has limited staffing capacity. Board members asked about legal review timelines and the administration said counsel was finalizing terms to meet vendor deadlines.
All motions carried by roll call.
