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Board approves Chromebook lease after debate over touch-screen devices for band and testing compatibility
Summary
After extended discussion about device types, testing compatibility and equitable costs, trustees voted 6–1 to lease 1,500 Chromebooks (1,300 standard units and 200 touch-enabled models for band) at a total of $666,654 using a Choice Partners contract; an earlier attempt to approve the plan failed for lack of a motion.
Trustees spent extensive time on agenda item 685, a proposed Chromebook-device replacement plan, questioning the mix of 1,500 devices (1,300 standard models and 200 touch-enabled units for band use), repair timelines, data-wiping procedures for leased equipment and compatibility with state testing platforms.
Administration said the 200 touch devices were requested so band students can run required rehearsal apps and that older Chromebooks may not meet new testing requirements from vendors such as Pearson and Cambium. "They come very highly recommended, and they will take care of that whole process at the point that we're done," an administrator said of the vendor's device-wiping service.
An initial attempt to approve the Chromebook plan failed when no motion was made; the item was returned to the agenda later and trustees approved a lease of Chromebooks through Delcom via Insight Financial Services for a total of $666,654 on a 6–1 vote. Board discussion included concerns that paying extra for touch-screen units for band could set a precedent and questions about whether the devices would be equally useful for testing.
