Board authorizes purchase of Chromebooks and sale of older devices; staff warns of rising prices

The Isle of Wight County School Board on Dec. 11 approved purchasing Chromebooks and authorized the sale of surplus equipment, while staff warned technology prices are increasing.

Instructional technology staff presented a purchase request for the 2026–27 school year: $410,400 to buy approximately 900 devices covering two grades, which the presenter said had been brought forward early because device costs climbed about 10% over the previous four months. The board moved and approved the purchase.

Staff also presented a surplus-equipment list for sale with data-destruction guarantees. The list includes roughly 1,700 Chromebooks purchased in 2020 and about 700 older Apple laptops bought between 2015 and 2019, along with miscellaneous items. The board approved the sale with the condition of data-destruction guarantees.

Board members asked about the instructional return on investment of devices and whether 1:1 or classroom-set models are preferable. Presenters said some grades already have classroom sets and the division is discussing shifting fifth grade to classroom sets; they promised more analysis during the next budget cycle.

The motions to purchase Chromebooks and to sell surplus equipment passed by roll-call votes recorded as unanimous.