Board approves up to $68,700 to buy Chromebooks for 2nd and incoming 5th graders

The board approved a motion to purchase approximately 180 student Chromebooks to cover incoming fifth graders and replace the district’s second-grade fleet, with a not-to-exceed amount of $68,700. Administration explained current per-device price estimates ranged from about $306 to $380, with an optimistic vendor line near $306–311 per device.

Administration described the rationale: older 2nd-grade devices (six to seven years old) need replacement to maintain instructional continuity and spare inventory, and incoming 5th graders require devices that are part of the district technology plan. "The administration is recommending the board make a motion to approve the purchase of new student Chromebooks not to exceed $68,700," an administrator told the board. Board members asked about alternate device types (tablets or other Windows-based devices), buyback programs for old devices, device lifecycle and leasing arrangements; administrators explained Chromebook inventory and vendor options, and noted a vendor with state contract pricing (PDS) has been competitive.

After questions and discussion about lifecycle, buyback and spare-device strategy, the board voted to approve the not-to-exceed purchase; administrators said they would notify the vendor immediately to secure inventory and favorable pricing before anticipated increases.

The motion as discussed authorizes the administration to proceed; the transcript records a voice vote in favor and an administrative follow-up to issue purchase orders and manage vendor communications. The board did not record a roll-call vote in the transcript; the motion was announced as carried by voice vote.