Pleasantdale School Board: Is it Necessary to Buy Laptops for the District?

The Board of Education moved forward with part of its $500,000 technology proposal late Wednesday night, but held off approving the most expensive portion of the plan—the purchase of 480 laptops.

Approved was the purchase of 30 iPads and a portable cart for grades K-2 and special education students in the amount of $16,000. However, several board members raised questions about the cost, type and necessity of the laptops, which are proposed for students in the , as well as those in third and fourth grades. The laptops, along with related equipment, software and storage, cost approximately $441,000.

Board members spent more than an hour discussing the issue, but during the action portion of the agenda, no motion was made for approval. With no motion, the matter automatically failed. Officials will likely discuss the matter again at the board’s May meeting, as some board members had requested more information before making a decision. Check back later for more details.

In other news

Board elected officers for terms ending in April 2013. Retaining their current offices are President Leandra Sedlack, Vice President Mark Mirabile and Secretary Lisa Houk. The Board also re-elected Erika Sawosko as recording secretary, with pay. Sawosko has held the position since 2007.