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Board approves $564,300, four‑year student device lease amid debate over Chromebooks vs. iPads
Summary
The board approved a four‑year lease to refresh high‑school student devices (approx. $155,000 per year), moving toward Chromebooks (Lenovo 500E) and including warranty and management; some members questioned cost and device choice.
The Faribault Public School District board on June 15 approved a four‑year, $564,300 lease with Trafera to refresh student devices at the high school and move toward Chromebook‑style devices.
District technology staff presented the proposal, describing a total lease cost of $564,300 over four years (about $154,997 per year), inclusive of accidental damage protection, perpetual Chrome licensing for device management, and Trafera’s white‑glove setup service. The recommended device is a Lenovo 500E convertible Chromebook, which staff said fits classroom needs and supports shared‑device workflows better than iPads.
"The lease includes a zero‑deductible accidental damage warranty and perpetual Chrome licensing," said Mike Birding, the district’s director of education, technology and innovation, summarizing the package and financing terms (5.92% interest noted for the lease).
Board members debated cost and device choice. Director Moore voiced concern about the total cost and the potential physical and mental effects of increased technology use for students, and said she would raise further questions in the next meeting. Director Kudson and several teachers surveyed indicated a preference among staff to move toward Chromebooks because they facilitate shared use and reduce classroom management time compared with iPads.
Funding and procurement: Staff confirmed the lease payments were included in the FY27 proposed budget and that the district has options in the lease to return or adjust device counts if enrollment or finances change.
Outcome: The motion to approve the four‑year lease passed by roll call. Staff said existing iPads would be retained for targeted classroom use and surplus devices sold or auctioned through state asset recovery.
Next steps: Technology staff will coordinate deployment, manage licensing reductions for Apple management where applicable, and maintain reserves of devices for repairs and curricular needs.
