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Staff member Cecil Hammond outlines Chromebook plan amid delays and brand change
Summary
Cecil Hammond told the Finance & Operations Committee the district typically budgets $250,000 yearly from the Sinking Fund for Chromebook purchases but faces higher costs and shipping delays; staff may reuse senior devices for incoming 5th graders and has selected a lower-cost brand for the 2026-27 order.
Cecil Hammond, staff member, told the Board Finance & Operations Committee on May 5 that the district typically sets aside $250,000 from the Sinking Fund each year for 5th- and 9th-grade Chromebook purchases, but rising prices and shipment delays complicate the 2026-27 procurement.
Hammond said the district will collect and refurbish senior Chromebooks for use by incoming 5th graders if the ordered devices do not arrive before the start of school. He added that current 8th graders could keep their Chromebooks temporarily if needed until the new order is received. Hammond also said he selected a different, lower-cost brand for this purchase request; he noted that while used screens will transfer to the new brand, most other parts will not.
The committee suggested the district consider skipping a purchase year in the future to reduce costs. Hammond said he is considering Chromebook training for 5th-grade students — for example, basic email use — and might meet with 5th-grade parents before devices go home to explain expectations and care procedures.
The committee did not record a formal vote on the purchase in the minutes. The item was presented for committee review and planning ahead of the 2026-27 school year.
