Board approves lease for 1,279 Chromebooks and 70 carts at $675,200 pending solicitor review

The Haverford Township School District board on Thursday approved a technology lease to acquire 1,279 Chromebooks for grades 6 through 9 and 70 carts for grades 3 through 5, with Vantage Financial at a total cost of $675,200, the board disclosed. The approval was contingent on final solicitor review of the lease.

Board members asked administration about financing options and end‑of‑term logistics. Staff described two lease structures in the proposal: a dollar‑buyout option and a fair‑market‑value option. Staff said the dollar‑buyout option was being recommended; under a fair‑market option the district would need to collect and ship leased devices back to the leasing company at lease end.

Trustees noted the district typically spreads lease costs over a multi‑year period to smooth budget impacts. The motion to approve the lease was moved and seconded and passed. The board recorded no amendment to the approval and asked staff to finalize terms with solicitor review.

No additional appropriation was requested at the time of the vote; staff said the lease schedule reflects established multi‑year practices.