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Board authorizes purchase of Chromebooks and IFP upgrades, caps spending at $400,000
Summary
The board approved buying about 379 Chromebooks and upgrades to interactive flat panels, selecting vendor OETC, and authorized expenditures not to exceed $400,000; technology staff said aging COVID-era devices are reaching end of life.
The Gresham-Barlow School District authorized the purchase of student devices and upgrades for classroom interactive flat panels (IFPs) on a motion that passed unanimously.
Executive Director of Technology Services Jeff Gibbs told the board the district will need roughly 379 Chromebooks this summer as devices purchased during the COVID era reach end of life. The district used a competitive bid process and selected OETC, an Oregon-based nonprofit education technology cooperative, to supply the devices. Gibbs said interactive flat panels bought during the bond have faced reliability issues and staff are proposing small computer add-ons to extend their life by roughly five years.
The board approved the purchase, capped at $400,000. As recorded, the motion read: "Move to approve the purchase of student computers and upgrades for interactive flat panels not to exceed $400,000." Members asked about vendor recourse and reuse of old devices; Gibbs said some eight-year-old devices will be gifted to graduating seniors and unclaimed extras recycled.
The authorization allows staff to proceed with procurement and to use the district's turf and technology reserve funds for the purchase.
