The district's 2023 bond package allotted $69.6 million for the replacement of aging instructional technology. This included replacing teacher laptops, which the board approved in December, but an evaluation in 2022 outlined the need for new fourth grade devices, according to district documents.
The details
In May 2022, the district formed a committee that included teachers from all grade levels, multiple programs, every high school feeder pattern and across diverse content areas. Committee members provided feedback to help support the need to continue with Apple Inc. devices for both students and staff, according to documents.
The district recommended purchasing all new devices for the 2024‐25 fourth‐grade class. Currently, student devices exceed five years and are anticipated to not allow for the most recent iOS update. This may impact students' ability to access the district learning management system, Canvas, and cause issues with the required online testing app, Cambium, according to district documents. Due to these issues, it is recommended new devices will need to be purchased.
The district's technology department received quotes from Apple Inc. products and services, including iPad devices, full coverage Applecare+ for three years, and a rugged protective case with keyboard and trackpad, according to district documents. LISD estimates the purchase will cost $1.7 million and use funds from the 2023 bond.
What's next?
The district recently approved staffing requests to help facilitate the replacement of teacher laptops at a Feb. 12 meeting.
In that meeting, district officials said the technology department anticipates needing similar supplemental services for the iPad replacement indicating the administration may bring a separate recommendation before the board at a later time.
However, no staffing needs or supplemental services were discussed March 18.
