Board told to award RFP to Dell for 250 desktops; member recuses and requests item be pulled from consent

Barrow County Schools staff presented a technology refresh RFP recommendation for 250 desktop computers as part of an ongoing five-year refresh cycle.

Mr. John St. Clair told the Board an RFP produced 26 responses and Dell of Round Rock, Texas, was the low bidder at $519 per computer; the total for 250 devices would be $129,750 to be paid from ITS PLOs Technology Refresh funds. St. Clair said Dell met the RFP terms and had satisfactorily done prior business with the district.

A board member announced a recusal from voting on the item because her son "sells components" and works with them extensively. She asked the item be pulled from the consent agenda and not placed on the consent docket. The superintendent's team acknowledged the recusal and confirmed staff would pull the item for separate consideration rather than include it in the consent package.

Staff recommended further authorization to use the RFP through Dec. 31, 2025, for any additional Dell desktop purchases subject to usual reporting guidelines. The item was not approved at the work session; staff will return the item for separate action after removing it from consent.