RSU 14 board authorizes lease‑purchase financing for technology and vehicles

The Windham Raymond School District board on June 17 authorized a package of lease‑purchase financings to replace classroom devices and several transportation vehicles.

Technology: The board authorized the superintendent to enter a financing agreement for 240 iPads, 526 MacBook Neos and 68 MacBook Airs (and accessories) with an indicated principal amount around $558,830 at an interest rate of 2.29% for a term of up to four years. The transcript notes that approximately $164,776 is grant funded through Maine’s MLTI program and will be credited back to the district for qualifying devices. Technology director Matt Vanderberg explained the purchases are part of a replacement cycle, shifting to lower‑cost MacBook Neos to expand device availability and replacing machines that are at end of life.

Buses and vans: The board adopted resolutions to authorize lease‑purchase financing for two propane‑engine school buses (principal up to $231,170 at 5.29% for up to five years) and one gas‑engine school bus (principal up to $152,250 at 5.29% for up to five years). The district said it received a $51,000 grant per propane bus to reduce per‑bus cost to about $115,000. The board also authorized lease‑purchase financing for two vans (principal up to $97,438 at 5.29% for up to four years) to replace aging district vans; replaced vehicles will be repurposed or retired.

Board members noted these purchases are part of normal replacement cycles, that reimbursement for some items is expected through state programs, and that the district will pay one year upfront for buses and receive reimbursement over time through ED279. Each resolution was moved, seconded and recorded as approved in the meeting minutes.