District technology director pitches five‑year device replacement, iPads for early grades and network controls

Technology Director Matt Vanderberg told the board the department of eight will begin a five‑year replacement cycle for student and teacher devices as district equipment purchased during COVID approaches end of life.

Vanderberg described a multi‑pronged plan: assign classroom iPads for K–2, issue an iPad with keyboard case to third graders that will stay with the student for five years, and continue MacBook issuance for grade 8 through graduation. He said the district’s transition strategy aims to reduce repair costs, standardize devices and control app access for educational use.

“We have a 5‑year replacement cycle that we’re going to start doing next year,” Vanderberg said, and added the network will receive a new network access control system to strengthen authentication; he estimated that system will add about $15,400 to the budget. Vanderberg also said licensing changes to Google Workspace will add about $8,000 in costs for the district because staff accounts now require paid licenses.

Board members discussed whether middle‑ and high‑school devices should be taken home and compared per‑device costs and AppleCare; Vanderberg noted that a newly released lower‑cost Apple laptop may alter purchasing plans and that MLTI/state reimbursement affects net district cost per device, but the meeting did not settle final procurement choices.

The discussion will continue as the administration pilots devices and refines cost estimates prior to any final purchase approvals.