Bangor School Board approves $99,820 in MacBooks, adds 4K section and approves several hires

The Bangor School Board voted to approve several personnel actions, an addition to 4K programming and a staff laptop purchase during its regular meeting.

On a motion by Shelley seconded by Jessica, the board approved a one‑time purchase of 80 MacBook laptops at a cost of $99,820 to replace staff devices on a roughly five‑year cycle. Administration said pricing rose recently and that the district pays at delivery; the vendor warranty coverage is one year. "We feel we can handle the one‑time purchase of $99,820 for these laptops for the next five years," Dr. Brackup said.

The board also approved creating an additional 4K section at Bangor Elementary after administration reported recent enrollment increases and waitlist movement. Administration described roughly 45–47 families engaged in registration outreach, about 10 new resident students in the past month and several open‑enrollment siblings and waitlist students. The motion authorizes posting and interviewing so a candidate could be brought to the August meeting for approval; the board approved the measure.

Personnel actions approved included accepting the resignation of Julia Sturbin from an anticipated special‑education role, and hiring Diane Borchert as a full‑time bus driver (2026–27), Holly Barth and Seth Kenyon as building custodians (effective 06/15/2026), Catherine ("Kate") Russell as elementary school guidance counselor for 2026–27, Ryan Schrader as buildings and grounds supervisor (effective 07/07/2026) and Shane Schmeling as 6–12 athletic director for 2026–27. All motions were moved and seconded and recorded as carried.

Why it matters: the technology purchase is a near‑term budget commitment; the additional 4K section expands early‑childhood capacity that the administration said helps keep families in the district and maintain teacher‑to‑student ratios. The hires fill operational and instructional needs ahead of the 2026–27 school year.